FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

India

Frank Doran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the High Commissioner for India to discuss the security situation there.

Jack Straw: I last met the High Commissioner on 30 June.
	I visited India and Pakistan on 18–20 July. After my meetings I said that we welcomed the steps taken by Pakistan to stop cross-border infiltration and Indian de-escalatory measures, but we remained deeply concerned about the military mobilisation on both sides of the border. I stressed the need for a permanent end to cross-border infiltration and the importance of the forthcoming Jammu & Kashmir elections being free, fair and inclusive. We will continue to work with our international partners to encourage India and Pakistan to find ways to return to productive dialogue on all the outstanding issues between them, including Kashmir.
	The House should also know that I published revised travel advice yesterday which, because of the reduced tension between India and Pakistan, no longer advises British citizens to avoid travelling to India or those already in India to consider leaving. I have modified the travel advice for Pakistan, but this has to take account of the continuing internal terrorist threat.

Middle East

Christine Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role the Government are playing in securing peace in the middle east.

Mike O'Brien: Her Majesty's Government remains closely engaged in efforts to end the violence and resume a political process leading to a final settlement. We are supervising the detention of six Palestinian detainees in Jericho, and stand ready to assist with Palestinian reform in whatever way we can. I discussed the issue with Palestinian and Israeli leaders when I visited the region between 1 and 3 July.

Middle East

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the present situation in the middle east peace process.

Mike O'Brien: The Government are committed to a negotiated and comprehensive settlement between Israel and her Arab neighbours along the lines set out in the declaration made by European leaders at Seville on 21 June. We welcome the Statement of the Quartet (US, EU, UN and Russia), which reaffirmed the goal of a final Israeli-Palestinian settlement within three years. It stated that progress in the political, security, economic, humanitarian, and institution-building fields must proceed together. All parties have a role to play. The Palestinians must conduct security, political and economic reform, with an action plan agreed by the Quartet leading to a Palestinian state committed to combating terror. Israel must take immediate and concrete steps to support the emergence of a viable Palestinian state, including easing restrictions, releasing tax revenues, and freezing settlement activity consistent with the Mitchell Committee's recommendations. The UK will continue to offer political and practical assistance wherever possible.

Middle East

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he is undertaking with Arab Governments to secure their help in the middle east peace process.

Mike O'Brien: We welcomed the Arab peace initiative, adopted by Arab states in Beirut on 28 March. We welcome the role played by key Arab states in supporting the Quartet's Action Plan for Reform of the Palestinian Authority and Resumption of a Political Process. We regularly discuss the way forward with Arab leaders. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister recently met President Mubarak, King Abdullah, Prime Minister Hariri and Foreign Minister Maher. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is also in frequent contact with Arab leaders. We met Palestinian Minister for Planning and International Cooperation, Nabil Sha'ath, on 25 June. I met President Arafat and other Palestinian leaders when I visited the Palestinian Authority between 2 and 3 July.

Middle East

Jon Owen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role the Government are playing in securing peace in the middle east.

Mike O'Brien: Her Majesty's Government remain closely engaged in efforts to end the violence and resume a political process leading to a final settlement. We are supervising the detention of six Palestinian detainees in Jericho, and stand ready to assist with Palestinian reform in whatever way we can. I discussed the issue with Palestinian and Israeli leaders when I visited the region between 1 and 3 July.

EU Enlargement

Joyce Quin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on progress being made towards the enlargement of the EU.

Peter Hain: The Foreign Secretary and I have had regular discussions with all our EU counterparts to keep progress on enlargement on track.

EU Overseas Aid

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts about the policy underlying the distribution of the EU overseas aid package.

Peter Hain: EU Foreign Ministers discussed the overseas aid package at the General Affairs Council on 18 February. We agreed on the need to make the EU's external actions, including its aid programmes, more targeted, effective and responsive.

UN Peacekeeping Operations

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Denis MacShane: The UN's involvement in peacekeeping and crisis management continues to be significant. There are 15 peacekeeping operations world wide, involving 45,145 troops, military observers and civilian police from 83 countries. Many of these operations are now in support of solutions to complex intra-state conflicts and tensions; many involve countries close to, or at risk of, collapse.

EU Presidency

James Purnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Greek Government about their priorities for the EU presidency.

Peter Hain: We are in regular touch with our Greek partners. I am visiting Athens tomorrow. Their presidency priorities include enlargement, immigration, and economic reform.

EU Presidency

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Greek Government about their forthcoming EU presidency and EU enlargement.

Peter Hain: We are in regular touch with our Greek partners. I am visiting Athens tomorrow. Their presidency priorities include enlargement, immigration and economic reform.

Missile Defence

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the US administration regarding UK participation in the US missile defence programme.

Mike O'Brien: The UK and the US administration have discussed over time issues relating to missile defence.
	These include the threats posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles, and the role that missile defence could play in countering these threats. However, it remains the case that the US has not yet decided how it wishes to proceed with missile defence and has made no request for the use of facilities in the UK.

Chechnya

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussion he has had with the Russian Government on Chechnya.

Mike O'Brien: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary last raised the situation in Chechnya in June, when he discussed the human rights situation in the republic with the Russian Foreign Minister.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the economic situation in Zimbabwe.

Denis MacShane: What is happening in Zimbabwe is a man-made tragedy. The country is running out of food and its economy is imploding. Ultimately, Zimbabwe's only way back to sustainable development is through respect for the rule of law, a return to democratic principles and sensible economic policies.

European Union (Aspirant Countries)

Mike Hall: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with leaders of countries seeking to join the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: The Foreign Secretary and I have had regular discussions with all our EU counterparts to keep progress on enlargement on track.

Sudan

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what areas of the Sudan are out-of-bounds to humanitarian organisations; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: Humanitarian access is difficult to many areas of Sudan where conflict exists. The Government of Sudan and the SPLM have committed themselves to facilitating humanitarian access to all regions of Sudan and there is no formal ban on access to any area.

International Criminal Court

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he is having with his counterparts in the USA about the International Criminal Court.

Denis MacShane: We are in regular contact with the US Administration in respect of this issue. Officials have made several approaches, both bilaterally and in conjunction with EU partners, encouraging the US to ratify the Rome Statute. And we have repeatedly made clear that, while we understand US concerns that the Court might bring malicious or politically-motivated charges against US personnel, we do not share them. The Statute of the Court contains safeguards against this. Most recently, and in connection with the renewal of the UN Security Council mandate in respect of peacekeepers in Bosnia (UNMIBH), my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has had a number of conversations with his US counterpart. The outcome was Resolution 1422, unanimously adopted on 12 July 2002, which respects the Statute of the Court and allows the US to continue to participate in UN peacekeeping operations.

Gibraltar

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will cease further talks with Spain about the future of Gibraltar.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made in the House by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 12 July 2002, Official Report, column 1165.

Gibraltar

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what way the infrastructure of Gibraltar would improve under the proposed sharing of sovereignty of Gibraltar between Britain and Spain.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made in the House by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 12 July 2002, Official Report, column 1166.

Gibraltar

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conditions were set by the Government of Gibraltar in order for the Chief Minister of Gibraltar to participate in the talks.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) on 27 February 2002, Official Report, column 1307W.

Gibraltar

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people in Gibraltar have indicated to him they would wish to take Spanish nationality.

Peter Hain: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said in the House on 12 July 2002, Official Report, column 1166, we are in broad agreement with Spain on many of the principles that should underpin a lasting settlement to the Gibraltar dispute, including that Gibraltarians should retain the right to British nationality and gain in addition the right to Spanish nationality as well if they so choose.

Organisation of African Unity

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the OAU summit in South Africa.

Denis MacShane: The conflict in the Great Lakes region must be resolved through negotiations between the parties. We therefore welcome the recent talks in Durban between the Presidents of Rwanda and the DRC. We are encouraged by the decision to hold follow-up talks between senior officials on 18 July in South Africa. We welcome the role that the Government of South Africa, and in particular, President Mbeki, continue to play in trying to help resolve this long-standing conflict.

Cyprus

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of Cyprus towards accession to the European Union.

Peter Hain: Cyprus has made good progress in its EU accession negotiations, having opened 30 of the 31 negotiating chapters and provisionally closed 28. At Seville, the European Council set out its intention of concluding negotiations with Cyprus along with nine other countries by the end of this year, provided progress is maintained, and also reiterated that the Helsinki conclusions formed the basis of the EU's position in respect of the accession of Cyprus.

Developing Countries

Doug Naysmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the European Union's role with respect to supporting trade with, and increasing aid to, developing countries.

Peter Hain: We continue to push hard for an EU market more open to developing countries, especially the poorest, and for EU member states to join us in hugely increasing their aid budgets.

Official Photographers

Tim Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions during the last 12 months an official photographer has accompanied (a) him and (b) other Ministers in his Department on official visits (i) overseas and (ii) within the UK; what (A) travel expenses, (B) costs of equipment and processing, (C) staff payment and (D) other costs were incurred on each occasion; what publications official photographs have appeared in during the last 12 months and what terms and conditions were attached to the publication of such photographs; and whether photographs taken on official visits are available for use in non- governmental literature.

Denis MacShane: The FCO does not employ an official photographer. However, photographs, from a variety of sources, including those taken by Ministers and members of staff of the FCO's work are posted on the FCO website or are used in publications.

Asylum Seekers

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many asylum seekers have entered a United Kingdom overseas mission in China in each year since 1997; what their nationality was; how many were granted asylum; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: We have not received any applications for asylum in any of our missions in China since 1997.

Open Source Software

Brian White: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is towards using open source software; and what percentage is used in his Department.

Denis MacShane: The FCO awards software contracts on a value for money basis and is prepared to consider open source software solutions alongside proprietary ones in IT procurements. We have no figures available on FCO usage of open source software.
	The FCO's use of OSS will follow the Government policy once it is published this summer. The draft policy can be viewed at: http://www.govtalk.gov.uk/rfc/rfc–document.asp?docnum=429.

Consultation

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the public consultations undertaken by his Department since 1997, indicating for each consultation (a) if copies were available online, (b) if copies were available in print, (c) the date the time period given for responses opened and (d) the date the time period given for responses closed.

Denis MacShane: A list of consultations undertaken by the FCO since 1997 is as follows:
	Panel 2000 (future role of the FCO)
	(a) yes
	(b) yes
	(c) 10 September 1998
	(d) 15 November 1998
	Ascension Island
	(a) yes
	(b) yes
	(c) 22 April 1999
	(d) 30 June 1999
	International Criminal Court: consultation on draft legislation
	(a) yes
	(b) yes
	(c) 1 August 2000
	(d) 12 October 2000
	Private military companies: options for regulation
	(a) yes
	(b) yes
	(c) 12 February 2002
	(d) 12 August 2002
	Strengthening the biological and toxin weapons convention
	(a) yes
	(b) yes
	(c) 29 April 2002
	(d) 13 September 2002.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  how long his Department allowed for consultation of each consultation document it published in 2001 in (a) electronic and (b) printed form;
	(2)  whether consultation documents published by his Department in 2001 carried the consultation criteria as recommended in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations;
	(3)  in what format his Department has published the results of its 2001 written consultations;
	(4)  how many consultation documents published in 2001 in (a) electronic and (b) printed form his Department has monitored and evaluated in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations;
	(5)  how many complaints his Department has received about its 2001 consultations in (a) electronic and (b) printed form;
	(6)  which consultation documents published by his Department in 2001 were not made available as paper copies.

Denis MacShane: The FCO produced no consultation documents in 2001.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has a designated consultation co-ordinator in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations.

Denis MacShane: Yes.

Sierra Leone

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the potential for the continued fighting in Liberia to threaten the stability of Sierra Leone.

Denis MacShane: UNAMSIL and the Government of Sierra Leone have taken measures to minimise the impact of the conflict in Liberia on the emerging peace in Sierra Leone. The UK supports regional and international efforts to bring the conflict in Liberia to an end to halt the worsening humanitarian situation in the sub-region. A considerable number of innocent civilians have been displaced in Liberia, and others have sought refuge in Sierra Leone. We continue to monitor the situation closely.

Macedonia

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 10 July, Official Report, column 1017W, what conditions in Macedonia have to be met.

Denis MacShane: With regard to the UK ratification of the SAA, we have made it clear to the Macedonian Government that we expect to see the continuing implementation of the August 13 agreement, including free and democratic parliamentary elections, rights for all ethnic groups and rule of law.

Nepal

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether military assistance to be provided to Nepal by the UK will include training and capacity building initiatives for its security forces.

Mike O'Brien: The Nepali government has our full support, and we are committed to providing continuity development, political and miliary assistance to help them overcome this crisis.
	We intend to implement a number of training programmes designed specifically for the Nepalese security forces. The Nepalese police will receive assistance to help them modernise and enhance their professionalism. We intend to do this through UK and local technical assistance and aim to help local communities by increasing their access to open and accountable policing.
	We will also provide training for the Royal Nepalese Army in peace support operations and human rights awareness programmes. This should increase the protection of human rights by way of improved awareness of humanitarian laws and the better reporting of human rights violations.

Catherine Meyer Case

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Lord Chancellor concerning the Catherine Meyer case.

Mike O'Brien: The Lord Chancellor's Department is the lead Department on Hague Convention cases. In 1995 Lady Meyer ceased to pursue court proceeding under the Hague Convention for the return of her children. At that point the Lord Chancellor's Department ceased to be involved in her case. However, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Lord Chancellor's Department have offered a joint meeting to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Keith Vaz) to discuss Lady Meyer's case and the operation of the Hague Convention.

Entry Clearance

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet hon. Members to discuss entry clearance issues relating to his travel advice before 24 July.

Mike O'Brien: I shall be meeting hon. Members on Wednesday 24 July from 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm in Committee Room 18.

Iraq

Alice Mahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether sanctions on Iraq cover fibre optic cables.

Denis MacShane: Yes. The Goods Review List (GRL) introduced by UN Security Council resolution 1409 (2002) lists all dual-use and military goods whose export to Iraq under the UN Oil for Food programme is subject to review by the UN Sanctions Committee. The list, which is publicly accessible on the UN website at www.un.org/Departments/oip/index.html, includes fibre optic cables. All other exports under the Oil for Food programme not included on the GRL are approved automatically by the UN Secretariat.

Information Campaigns

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on information literature, advertising and campaign material in financial year 2001–02; if he will list the campaigns that spent over £250,000; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: holding answer 22 July 2002
	In financial year 2001–02 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office spent £1,448,314 on information literature and £6,434 on advertising. The figure for information literature includes expenditure on consular publicity campaigns, such as "Know Before You Go", which is run jointly with the travel industry to help ensure that travellers are well prepared for conditions abroad. Expenditure on advertising for recruitment is excluded, as identifying this expenditure would entail disproportionate effort and cost.

British Council (Indemnity Undertakings)

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many indemnity undertakings were given by his Department in respect of loss or damage to works of art loaned to the British Council for exhibition overseas for the 12-month period ended March 2002; and what the value was of contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings which remained outstanding at that date.

Denis MacShane: The British Council, although not a Government Department, receives a substantial grant-in-aid from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Council regularly organises or sponsors exhibitions overseas of works of art loaned from national galleries and private collections in the United Kingdom. It provides certain assurances or guarantees in respect of loss or damage while these works are on loan.
	In the 12-month period ended 31 March 2002 the British Council provided such assurances to four national lenders and undertakings to 193 private lenders. The value of the contingent liabilities that remained outstanding as at 31 March 2002 in respect of private lenders was £4,358,822. No contingent liabilities remained outstanding at this date in respect of national lenders.

Sino-British Declaration

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will publish the next report to Parliament on Hong Kong and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Denis MacShane: The eleventh report in this series, covering the period January-June 2002, was published today and copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House. A copy of the report is also available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, www.fco.gov.uk. The report includes a foreword by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. I commend the report to the House.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the annual report of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy will be available.

Peter Hain: I have arranged for copies of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy's annual report to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
	The Foundation has continued its crucial work in building and developing democracy overseas during the last 12 months. The Foundation received a grant-in-aid of £4.156 million from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and further £390,056 of funds earmarked for specific purposes. In addition it received funds from the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme and the Department for International Development.
	Most of the Foundation's activities were in its priority areas of central and eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and Anglophone Africa. The Foundation initiated an important technical assistance programme in Sierra Leone, promoting the development of political parties in the principles of peaceful and responsible conduct in political life. The significant contribution that the Foundation has made to the development of democracy in the Balkans was strongly endorsed by an independent evaluation of its Bosnia programme.

Cayman Islands (Human Rights)

David Chidgey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the compatibility of legislation passed in the Cayman Islands with the UK Human Rights Act 1998 and with the European convention on human rights 1972; and what decisions he has made as to whether such legislation is ultra vires with Orders in Council made by the Secretary of State under UK Acts of Parliament.

Mike O'Brien: Cayman Islands' legislation is scrutinised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure its constitutionality and its compatibility with the Islands' obligations arising under the European convention on human rights and other international agreements. The UK Human Rights Act 1998 does not extend to the Cayman Islands and is therefore not directly considered.
	No Cayman Islands' legislation has been disallowed in recent years because it was found to be ultra vires with an Order in Council made under a UK Act of Parliament.

Cayman Islands (Human Rights)

David Chidgey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what independent reviews of human rights issues obtained in the Cayman Islands have been commissioned by his Department; and if he will place a copy of the reports on such reviews in the Library.

Mike O'Brien: An independent review of human rights in the Cayman Islands has been commissioned and is being undertaken by a UK consultancy. Once the report is available and has been released in the Caymans, a copy will be placed in the Library.

Diplomatic Service

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many new entrants to the diplomatic service in 2001 were (a) educated at independent school, (b) educated at public school, (c) educated at state school and (d) describe themselves as disabled; and for each category, whether they were (i) policy entrants or (ii) operational entrants.

Mike O'Brien: (a) and (b) are counted together as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office only differentiates between independent and state schools. 28 new entrants were educated at independent schools. 14 were policy and 14 were operational entrants.
	(c) 48 new entrants were educated at state schools. 16 were policy and 32 were operational entrants.
	(d) Two new entrants described themselves as having a disability. One policy and one operational entrant.
	These figures are published in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's 2002 departmental report.

Diplomatic Service

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many ambassadors and high commissioners are (a) from an ethnic minority background and (b) describe themselves as disabled.

Mike O'Brien: As at 1 July 2002 there were three members of the Senior Management Structure (SMS) who had declared themselves to be from an ethnic minority background. None of them is currently serving as either an ambassador or as a high commissioner.
	Seven members of the SMS had declared themselves to have a disability. Two of these are currently serving as either an ambassador or a high commissioner.

Departmental Report

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost was of publishing his Department's annual report for each of the past five years.

Denis MacShane: The table shows the costs incurred by the FCO in publishing our annual departmental report; the figures do not include staff time which could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The table reflects only those costs that fall directly to the FCO, any other printing and publication costs are met directly by the publisher, The Stationery Office Ltd. (TSO), and do not fall to Government.
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2002–03 35,208 
			 2001–02 24,314 
			 2000–01 17,829 
			 1999–2000 18,000 
			 1998–99 20,114

PRIME MINISTER

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Prime Minister how many complaints have been made by civil servants to the (a) Secretary of the Cabinet and (b) First Civil Service Commissioner regarding the actions of departmental special advisers since May 1997.

Tony Blair: None.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Prime Minister if he will instruct the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reply to the letter to him dated 23 May from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. J. Greenhalgh.

Tony Blair: I understand that my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary has replied to the right hon. Member's letter.

Renewable Energy

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister what proposals in support of increasing the use of renewable energy he intends to present to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg; and what recent representations he has received in support of renewable energy.

Tony Blair: The UK supports agreement at the World Summit on Sustainable Development on a range of measures to support the increased use of renewable energy, including removing harmful subsidies for the use of fossil fuels, setting a global target for the use of renewable energy, and enhanced international co-operation on research and development and market reform. The Government are investing over £260 million in the development of renewable power over three years, in addition to the work of the Carbon Trust and others active in this field. As a result of the spending review the DTI will be announcing further investment in renewable technologies.
	I have received over 400 campaign cards from members of the public supporting a campaign by Greenpeace and the Body Shop to provide renewable energy to the two billion people currently without access to energy.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Open Source Software

Brian White: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her policy is towards using open source software; and what percentage is used in her Department.

Clare Short: Use of open source software within DFID is currently under review. At present no open source software is in operational use.

CPI Consultancies

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will provide a breakdown of her Department's expenditure since 1998–99 on CPI consultancies referred to on page 105 of the 2002 departmental report.

Clare Short: This expenditure was incurred on price investigations for contracts funded by DFID, primarily arising out of continuing commitments under the aid and trade provision. A breakdown of these figures could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

HIV/AIDS

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding her Department has given for HIV/AIDS projects in each country in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: The information requested is set out in the table. Please note these figures do not include expenditure on regional programmes or non-region specific work on programmes and research from the UK.
	
		HIV/AIDS related expenditure by country 1997–98 to 2001–02(1) -- £000
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Afghanistan 0 0 132 0 351 
			 Albania 0 0 180 0 0 
			 Angola 0 0 0 106 0 
			 Bangladesh 1,873 5,358 15,011 24,113 17,886 
			 Belarus, Republic of 0 0 0 0 8 
			 Bolivia 180 182 499 1,189 2,294 
			 Brazil 0 0 44 65 10 
			 Burkina Faso 0 0 27 0 0 
			 Burma 0 332 232 463 57 
			 Burundi 0 0 146 0 0 
			 Cambodia 151 716 438 620 906 
			 Cameroon 19 35 70 13 0 
			 China 0 0 1,185 2,473 2,426 
			 Colombia 0 95 80 0 0 
			 Congo, Democratic Republic 41 41 0 0 0 
			 Cuba 0 0 0 87 49 
			 Ecuador 0 0 0 82 83 
			 Ethiopia 25 41 107 183 92 
			 Ghana 19 15 136 140 129 
			 Guatemala 96 95 96 0 0 
			 Guyana 125 146 55 188 84 
			 Haiti 0 0 0 22 72 
			 Honduras 0 0 127 153 123 
			 India 2,979 2,571 3,876 4,196 5,894 
			 Iran 0 0 259 161 334 
			 Kazakhstan, Republic of 0 0 181 158 13 
			 Kenya 2,863 5,684 5,176 5,986 8,011 
			 Laos 0 0 14 9 0 
			 Lesotho 205 142 168 130 74 
			 Macedonia 0 0 46 12 0 
			 Malawi 5,270 156 1,663 4,409 14,219 
			 Mali 0 0 0 25 80 
			 Mexico 0 0 49 55 42 
			 Moldova, Republic of 0 0 0 0 12 
			 Mongolia 0 0 0 45 24 
			 Montserrat 0 33 256 300 424 
			 Mozambique 72 283 491 6,500 7,079 
			 Namibia 7 197 261 290 166 
			 Nepal 0 162 216 363 1,886 
			 Nicaragua 0 37 181 193 90 
			 Nigeria 524 576 795 1,939 2,015 
			 Pakistan 595 746 1,242 337 2,472 
			 Peru 650 400 499 378 118 
			 Russian Federation 0 67 184 246 576 
			 Rwanda 0 0 0 34 1,072 
			 Senegal 0 0 45 119 147 
			 Serbia and Montenegro 0 0 0 204 807 
			
			 Sierra Leone 0 162 709 553 408 
			 Somali Democratic Republic 0 28 43 52 6 
			 South Africa, Republic of 1,596 3,933 3,499 6,215 5,570 
			 South Pacific 1,596 3,959 3,579 6,312 5,662 
			 Sri Lanka 0 25 80 97 82 
			 States of ex Yugoslavia 0 0 3,326 417 0 
			 Sudan 0 99 107 166 452 
			 Swaziland 56 42 50 112 54 
			 Tanzania 1,844 2,212 3,161 6,993 46,944 
			 Togo 80 124 114 173 47 
			 Uganda 3,443 3,382 3,592 2,972 2,103 
			 Ukraine 0 0 208 112 52 
			 Vietnam 0 0 0 0 76 
			 West Bank and Gaza 0 0 350 962 575 
			 Zambia 1,808 3,573 2,941 31,621 32,012 
			 Zimbabwe 1,731 2,038 3,498 4,572 8,778 
		
	
	(1) Provisional

HIV/AIDS

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what impact assessments have been made of the projects funded by her Department which seek to tackle the spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries.

Clare Short: My Department's bilateral programmes are routinely monitored and evaluated as a matter of course. Impact assessments have been conducted on a range of our HIV/AIDS-related work, including condom social marketing programmes, palliative care for people living with HIV/AIDS, and support for adolescent sexual and reproductive health education.

Yugoslavia

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in de-mining in the former Yugoslavia.

Clare Short: It has proved difficult to obtain the full details requested from all parts of the FRY. I will write with the details and place a copy in the Library of the House.

Education for All

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the UK Government have taken in support of the World Bank's Action Plan to Accelerate Progress Towards Education for All; what input the UK delegation had in the discussions on the Education for All initiative at the recent G8 summit in Kananaskis; and how much financial assistance the UK Government plan to provide to the World bank's proposed fast-tracked countries within the Education for All initiative.

Clare Short: The Government are strongly committed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on education and are working to mobilise the international community in support of them. The World Bank has a critical role in supporting countries as they seek to give priority to education, and primary education in particular, within the overall context of their poverty reduction strategies. We have been working with the bank to develop its new Action Plan for Accelerating Progress Towards Education for All.
	We believe the World Bank action plan's fast-track initiative provides an opportunity to try to ensure that no country genuinely committed to economic development, poverty reduction and good governance is denied the chance to achieve universal primary education through lack of resources. The Government were successful in calling for the fast-track initiative to include Nigeria and Ethiopia, where over 14 million children are out of school. If offers 18 poor countries the chance to qualify for additional financing for primary education if they can demonstrate that their Government is fully committed and has effective policies in place. A further five countries can apply for assistance in building capacity, filling gaps in data and developing effective policies for primary education.
	At the Kananaskis summit, where G8 leaders considered the education needs of developing countries, the UK endorsed the action plan as an important opportunity to fast-track progress towards Education for All. G8 leaders approved the G8 Education Task Force report, which makes clear the need for increased support for basic education from the G8 countries and the importance of the bank's fast-track initiative in mobilising financial resources. Under its Africa Action Plan, the G8 agreed to increase significantly the support provided bilaterally to basic education for countries in Africa with a strong policy and financial commitment to the sector.
	The Government are committed to further increasing our support for basic education, particularly in Africa. We will continue to work with the World bank to support their fast track proposals. Further discussions will be held in Washington on 17 July. This meeting, together with the outcome of the spending review to be announced shortly by the Chancellor, will help determine the level of the Government's additional financial support for basic education in the proposed fast-track countries.

Calgary G8 Meeting

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people attended the G8 meeting in Calgary from her Department; and what the total cost of the visit was.

Clare Short: holding answer 10 July 2002
	No officials from the Department for International Development attended the G8 summit meeting in Canada.

Zimbabwe

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking towards tackling hunger in Zimbabwe.

Clare Short: I have now allocated £32 million to help meet food and health needs in Zimbabwe in the current humanitarian situation.
	DFID has provided £4 million since September 2001 for a supplementary feeding programme implemented by NGOs, targeting 400,000 people (mainly children) in the worst hit areas of Zimbabwe. At the beginning of January 2002, we made a contribution of £6 million to the UN's Humanitarian Assistance and Recovery Programme; £3.5 million for WFP feeding programmes and £2.5 million for essential drugs and health supplies through the WHO.
	In response to the recent reassessment of needs by the World Food Programme and their new regional appeal, I have allocated a further £22 million for Zimbabwe, of which £7 million will be provided through the WFP appeal; £10 million will be channelled through non- governmental organisations to extend direct feeding programmes; and £5 million will be spent again through NGOs on agricultural recovery. We are monitoring NGO and WFP feeding programmes closely to ensure that they are targeted on a needs basis, and that complaints about political bias are tackled effectively.

Faith Communities

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list projects involving faith communities which are supported by her Department.

Clare Short: A full account of projects supported through my Department with faith communities is not held centrally. To provide full details would involve disproportionate cost.
	Through DFID country programmes we are supporting initiatives through faith based groups in the provision of services (health, micro credit); in peace-building processes; relief, rehabilitation and disaster preparedness; and in election monitoring and voter education.
	We are also providing £7.8 million during 2002–03 to faith based organisations in the UK (Christian Aid, CAFOD and CIIR) through Partnership Programme Agreements. One of the aims of the Christian Aid and CAFOD agreements is to strengthen a global alliance of Christian Churches and other faith groups to eradicate poverty.
	In developing faith-specific literature to promote awareness of the Millennium Development Goals and development issues, a series of booklets have been co-produced with a number of faith based groups: Christian (Protestant and Catholic), Jewish, Islamic and Sikh.
	We are also supporting 26 projects with UK faith based organisations in a variety of sectors through the Civil Society Challenge Fund—total value £1.5 million in 2002–03. Details are as follows:
	
		
			  Agency  Country  Project Funding 2002–03 (£) 
		
		
			 Islamic Relief Mali Gourma Rharous Community Development Programme 44,096 
			 Christian Outreach Cambodia Agriculture, Business and Commodity Development Activities 57,851 
			 Youth With a Mission Uganda Community Based Health Care 9,845 
			 Quaker Peace Lebanon Vocational Training 43,784 
			 SIL UK Ghana Adult Education and Development 79,720 
			 World Vision Burma Street and Working Children 83,329 
			 World Vision Burma Community Based Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation 14,350 
			 World Vision Laos Savannekhet Integrated Rural Development Project 39,180 
			 World Vision Laos Creating Opportunities 29,406 
			 World Vision Angola Luanda Civil Society Strengthening Programme 103,702 
			 World Vision Armenia Civic Initiatives Project 83,969 
			 World Vision Burma Community Action for HIV/AIDS Support 84,355 
			 World Vision Indonesia Maluka Peace and Reconciliation Project 130,584 
			 World Vision Tanzania Advocating for FGM Eradication 58,585 
			 World Vision Uganda Pokatusa Peace Project 58,136 
			 Aga Khan Foundation Uganda Programme for Enhancement of Universal Primary Education 94,588 
			 Aga Khan Foundation Tanzania Gender Equity and Children's Rights—Primary Education 34,403 
			 Aga Khan Foundation Tajikistan Health promotion 33,585 
			 Leprosy Mission Guinea Disability Control/Community Awareness 74,100 
			 Leprosy Mission India Community Based Leprosy Control Project 25,066 
			 Leprosy Mission India Access to Health Service and Information 70,050 
			 Leprosy Mission India Vocational Training for Earning Power 58,564 
			 Tear Fund Uganda Kigezi Diocese Water and Sanitation Programme 75,000 
			 Tear Fund India Primary Health Care Training Programme 16,112 
			 Christian Outreach (CORD) Cambodia Agriculture, Business and Community Development Programme 57,851 
			 Y-Care International South Africa Adult Sexual Reproductive Health 39,432

Uganda

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the Government of Sudan regarding the Lords Resistance Army in Northern Uganda.

Clare Short: holding answer 19 July 2002
	I discussed the activities of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) with the Government of Sudan during my visit to Sudan in January. I have also discussed the LRA with the Ugandans on a number of occasions. Our embassies in Khartoum and Kampala have had regular discussions with the Sudanese and the Ugandans about the LRA in northern Uganda.

International Development Association

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the Government will contribute to the 13th Replenishment of the International Development Association.

Clare Short: I have decided that the UK will contribute £900 million to the three-year, 13th Replenishment of IDA (IDA-13)—the concessional lending arm of the World bank. This represents a 10.1 per cent. share of IDA-13 donor resources, up from £511 million (7.3 per cent. share) at the last replenishment. The increase reflects the high importance the British Government attaches to IDA, which is one of the most effective channels for reducing poverty in the poorest countries.
	The UK will also contribute up to an additional £100 million during the course of IDA-13 towards the cost of compensating IDA for the future loss in loan re-flows resulting from the provision of 18–21 per cent. of IDA-13 resources on grant terms. This contribution is conditional on donors agreeing an appropriate system for funding the enlarged grant provision at the IDA-13 Mid-Term Review in 2003.

Microcredit Summit

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which Ministers will represent the Government at the Microcredit summit plus five meeting in New York in November; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: I plan to attend the annual CGAP meeting in September in Morocco to join discussions on how to improve donor effectiveness in micro-finance, but I do not plan to attend the Microcredit summit as well.
	DFID will be represented at the summit at official level. We have invited funding applications to enable would-be participants from developing countries to attend the event.

Afghanistan

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the level of forced labour and forced militarisation of refugees in refugee camps in Afghanistan.

Clare Short: We are aware of reports of forcible recruitment of young men, militia domination of camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) and sexual violence. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR), in close co-ordination with the Afghan Transitional Administration (ATA), are currently investigating the reported security incidents and discussing what measures might be put in place to prevent further repetition.

Parliamentary Answers

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether it is her policy to ensure that documents referred to in parliamentary answers are available via her Department's website.

Clare Short: Where documents published by DFID are referred to in parliamentary answers, it is normal policy to have those documents available in print and in electronic form from the date of publication.

Parliamentary Answers

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development for how long she retains documents referred to in parliamentary answers on her Department's website.

Clare Short: Where documents published by DFID are referred to in parliamentary answers, it is normal policy to keep those documents available in print and in electronic form from the date of publication until they are superseded by a subsequent edition or, in the case of consultation documents, by the final version of the document.

Special Advisers

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the (a) dates, (b) location and (c) sources were of attributable (i) articles, interviews or contributions for the media, books or other journals and (ii) speeches or presentations made in the public domain, by departmental special advisers since March 2001; who in her Department authorised the activity; and on what date this activity was recorded with the departmental Head of Information.

Clare Short: No such attributable activities were undertaken by departmental special advisers.

Liberia

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the levels of political violence in Liberia; and what discussions she has had with the British High Commission in Liberia regarding political violence.

Jack Straw: I have been asked to reply.
	We are very concerned at the escalation in fighting in Liberia and have called on all warring parties to declare a ceasefire and enter meaningful dialogue. We are also concerned that President Taylor has used the fighting to justify increased repression, including the imposition of a state of emergency. United National sanctions against Liberia have been effective in disrupting President Taylor's links with the RUF and made it harder for him to obtain weapons. We have urged all countries in the region to implement the sanctions vigorously.
	There is no permanent British representation in Liberia. We monitor the situation closely from our embassy in Abidjan, and hope shortly to have an officer based in the American embassy in Monrovia, reporting to our embassy in Abidjan.

DEFENCE

Salisbury Plain

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedures are in place to inform National Air Traffic Services of (a) military flying exercises and (b) artillery firing exercises in the vicinity of Salisbury Plain.

Adam Ingram: The procedures for informing National Air Traffic Services Ltd. of all military flying and artillery firing exercises are laid down in the Aeronautical Information Publication. I have placed copies of the most relevant extracts from this document in the Library of the House.

Overseas Deployments

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK regular forces have been committed overseas in each month since 1 January.

Lewis Moonie: The table shows the average number and percentage of trained service personnel deployed on military tasks overseas in the first six months of 2002. This includes personnel deployed on operations (e.g. in Afghanistan) and ongoing commitments (e.g. in Cyprus).
	
		
			  Number Percentage 
		
		
			 4th quarter 2001–02(2)   
			 Navy (including Marines) 5,270 14.1 
			 Army 9,843 9.7 
			 Air Force 4,574 9.3 
			
			 1st quarter 2002–03(3)   
			 Navy (including Marines) 5,211 13.9 
			 Army 9,992 9.9 
			 Air Force 4,314 8.8 
		
	
	(2) January–March 2002
	(3) April–June 2002
	In addition to the above, we estimate that around 5–6 per cent. of trained service personnel are either preparing for, or recovering from, deployment on military tasks overseas.

Royal Hospital, Haslar

Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the cost to the defence budget of (a) opening a diagnostic and treatment centre at Haslar and (b) closing it in 2007.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 15 July 2002
	The Ministry of Defence has not incurred any additional costs following the decision to allow the NHS to develop a Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (DTC) on the Royal hospital Haslar site. The NHS would incur any costs associated with the closure of the DTC.

Royal Hospital, Haslar

Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual running cost of the Royal hospital, Haslar was in the last year for which figures are available.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 15 July 2002
	The total operating cost of the Royal hospital, Haslar, including the financial arrangements for Ministry of Defence hospital unit, Portsmouth, for the financial year ending 31 March 2002, was £47.145 million.

Royal Hospital, Haslar

Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what value the Royal hospital, Haslar is assessed.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 15 July 2002
	As at 31 March 2002 the Defence Secondary Care Agency valued the Royal hospital, Haslar land and buildings at £34.555 million.

Royal Hospital, Haslar

Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the financial arrangements are between the Ministry of Defence and the national health service relating to the Royal hospital, Haslar.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 15 July 2002
	Following the inception of Ministry of Defence hospital unit (MDHU) Portsmouth on 1 April 2001, Portsmouth Hospitals Trust (PHT) assumed responsibility for the delivery of the majority of the clinical services on the Haslar site. Under the financial and contractual arrangements between the MOD and PHT, the Trust is responsible for ensuring sufficient staffing levels for the clinical services it manages on the Haslar site. The Trust has separate financial arrangements with the MOD concerning the employment of military medical and clinical staff and for the provision of treatment for service personnel, both at the RHH and across PHT. These arrangements are broadly similar to those in place in other MDHUs.
	The Royal hospital, Haslar (RHH) is an MOD managed site. The estate and infrastructure is funded by the MOD. PHT pay the cost of any alterations to meet NHS requirements on the site. The financial arrangements also include payments by PHT for the use of RHH infrastructure and support services in MOD-retained Departments.

Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham

Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what messing, accommodation and recreational facilities will be available for service personnel to be based at Queen Alexandra hospital, Cosham if the proposed expansion through a private finance initiative takes place.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 15 July 2002
	The Queen Alexandra hospital private finance initiative will include all Ministry of Defence clinical and administrative requirements but not single living accommodation, messing or recreational facilities. A study to determine options for the provision of these services is being carried out.

Aircraft Carriers

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what dockyard work will need to be carried out to accommodate the two new aircraft carriers; when that work is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The extent and timing of any modifications at Portsmouth will depend on developments in the carrier programme and the dimensions of the final design that is taken forward. In the light of these, consideration will be given to mitigating any access constraints together with some enhancements to shore support facilities, taking account of environmental issues. It is not yet possible to be firm on the timetable for this potential work.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints his Department has received about its 2001 consultations in electronic or printed form.

Lewis Moonie: 12. Of these, 11 were received in writing and one by electronic means.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which consultation documents published by his Department in 2001 were not made available as paper copies.

Lewis Moonie: All of the Ministry of Defence's consultations issued in 2001 were either made available as paper copies or were available in paper copy on request.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long his Department allowed for consultation on each consultation document it published in 2001 in (a) electronic and (b) printed form.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence published seven consultations in 2001. The amount of time given for responses did not differ according to the format of the consultation. Times allowed for response, either in writing or electronically, were:
	The Future of the Defence Diversification Agency: six weeks;
	The Military Maritime Graves and the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986: three months;
	Proposed Introduction of the Voluntary Screening Programme Following Health Concerns in Respect of Depleted Uranium: four weeks;
	Armed Forces Pension Scheme Review: five months;
	Joint Compensation Review: five months;
	2nd Consultative Document on the Introduction of a Voluntary Screening Programme for Depleted Uranium: 12 weeks;
	MOD Police Quinquennial Review: six months.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether consultation documents published by his Department in 2001 carried the consultation criteria as recommended in the Cabinet Office code of practice on written consultations.

Lewis Moonie: All of the consultation documents published by the Department in 2001 were published electronically, and the Ministry of Defence Consultation webpage includes links to the Cabinet Office code of practice on written consultations, which contains the consultation criteria.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what format his Department has published the results of its 2001 written consultations.

Lewis Moonie: Of the seven consultations published in 2001, two have not yet reported. Of the remainder, results for one were published on the Consultation webpage of the Ministry of Defence website and in printed format, and two were published on the Consultation webpage of the MOD website but would have been made available in printed format if requested. The results of the last two will be published shortly.

European Technology Acquisition Programme

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which elements of (a) watchkeeper and (b) the Future Offensive Air Strategy the Government intend to procure through the European technology acquisition programme.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 17 July 2002
	The European technology acquisition programme (ETAP) is a collaborative technology development programme related to combat air systems. Its aim is to sustain and develop generic European capabilities over the next two decades. Although United Kingdom decisions on which technologies to pursue under ETAP will take account of our Future Offensive Air System project, it is not aimed at a specific equipment, nor is it intended as a means of procuring equipment.

European Technology Acquisition Programme

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 December 2001, Official Report, column 221W, on ETAP, when he expects the ETAP joint study assessing the military capabilities the six nations' armed forces will need around 2020 to report.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 17 July 2002
	The study report was produced on time and presented to the European technology acquisition programme (ETAP) steering committee on 3 July 2002. The report will provide a focus for future ETAP research and technology programmes.

European Technology Acquisition Programme

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the criteria to be used in deciding which British procurement decisions to pursue through the European technology acquisition programme.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 17 July 2002
	The European technology acquisition programme (ETAP) is about collaborative technology development related to combat air systems rather than procurement of specific equipments. United Kingdom decisions on technology development within ETAP will reflect the key capabilities required of the UK's future offensive air system. If one or more of our ETAP partners identify the same technology area as a priority, we will jointly decide whether a collaborative ETAP technology demonstration programme with European industry represents best value for money.

Systems Technology

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mechanisms are in place to ensure that in its procurement of systems technology the UK does not become beholden to one company with the intellectual property.

Lewis Moonie: When the Ministry of Defence funds development of equipment, it does so using intellectual property conditions which will allow for competition for further supplies of that equipment or its spare parts. Apart from an undertaking that the original developer will be invited to tender for such further supplies or its spare parts, there is no obligation on MOD to limit further contracts to the original developer.
	Most systems coming into defence service now, however, comprise an amalgam of commercially developed items and items for which the MOD has funded both the development costs and integration into the final system. Where commercial items are to be incorporated into a defence system, it is MOD's practice to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure continued availability of vital items on a fair and reasonable basis.
	In addition to the arrangements made through individual contracts, statutory arrangements exist under the Patent Act 1977 to enable Government use of patents for defence purposes in some circumstances on payment of compensation.

Military Training (Quantocks)

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training was carried out on the Quantocks in 2001; and by whom.

Lewis Moonie: No military training was conducted on the Quantocks between February and July 2001 owing to the outbreak of food and mouth disease. Our records show the following training took place later in the year: a fieldcraft and map reading exercise undertaken by the King's College Combined Cadets Force; a Duke of Edinburgh's Award by Somerset Army Cadet Force; and a Royal Marines load-carrying exercise along roads and bridle paths.

HMS Albion

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Albion will enter service.

Lewis Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 June 2002, Official Report, column 736W, to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin). I will write to the hon. Member once HMS Albion's in service date has been confirmed.

Service Accommodation

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many married families are awaiting the allocation of appropriate housing in Colchester;
	(2)  how many married quarters there are in Colchester, broken down by standard of condition;
	(3)  what plans he has to improve the standard of service families' accommodation in Colchester.

Lewis Moonie: There is no waiting list for the 1,207 service families' quarters in Colchester. Their standard for condition is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Standard Numbers 
		
		
			 Standard 1 400 
			 Standard 2 750 
			 Standard 3 57 
			 Standard 4 — 
			  
			 Total 1,207 
		
	
	Around 95 per cent. of the properties are at Standard 1 or Standard 2 for condition. Having completed two phases of a long term programme of upgrade to service housing in Colchester, further phases are planned provisionally for financial years 2003–04 and 2004–05, which will raise over 600 more properties to Standard 1 for condition.

Enhanced Capability Grenade

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the enhanced capability grenade programme; what its size will be; and what weight of explosive will be carried by the new weapon.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 19 July 2002
	The enhanced performance grenade entered service in July 2001. It is 9.5 cm high, including the fuse assembly, and 6 cm wide. It weights 465 grams, of which the explosives account for 155 grams.

Weapons Systems

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many Spike missile systems, manufactured by Rafael of Israel, have been purchased by the Defence Procurement Agency;
	(2)  when he will make his decision on the Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System requirements for a replacement for the Milan missile;
	(3)  when the Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System will enter service;
	(4)  what trials of the Spike missile system have been held by the Defence Procurement Agency.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 19 July 2002
	The Ministry of Defence is considering the Spike and Javelin systems for the requirement in question. The Defence Procurement Agency acquired small quantities of components of both systems for the purpose of conducting comparative assessment trials. We plan to select the preferred weapon around the turn of the year and to introduce it into service in 2005.

Military Exercises

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the military exercises held in the Llandovery area on 17 June.

Lewis Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to my letter of 5 July (D/US of S/LM 3032/02/C) which explained that the exercise was conducted by the Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG), who were practising wide-ranging deployments, manoeuvres and communications over long distances—skills essential for their operational training. This exercise was originally scheduled for Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA), but the location was changed at less than one month's notice due to urgent operational training requirements of a higher priority unit. The QDG are themselves a high readiness unit and their training was considered of sufficient importance to relocate to another area rather than to delay until SPTA became available.

Waste

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost of programmes designed to reduce waste and encourage re-use and recycling in each of the dual services in each year since 1997.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence does not currently collect data on the cost of programmes designed to reduce waste and encourage re-use and recycling. However, data collection on all environmental issues, including waste, should be greatly enhanced once implementation of the Department's corporate environmental management system has been completed in 2003–04.

Waste

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantities of waste have been diverted from landfill by the environmental policies pursued by his Department in the past five years.

Lewis Moonie: While it is Ministry of Defence policy to divert waste away from landfill by encouraging recycling and minimisation schemes, waste management is handled in practice at a local level by a number of different professional waste contractors.
	As these contractors are employed on an individual basis by various budget holders across the Department, information on the quantities of waste diverted from landfill is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Modernisation

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are being undertaken to ensure that Britain's military forces undergo modernisation and have the latest technology available.

Geoff Hoon: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) set in hand a programme of equipment modernisation to ensure that our forces are fully able to meet future challenges. Those conclusions remain valid. But operations in Afghanistan, and work on the SDR New Chapter, have recently demonstrated that our forces will require the controlled, precise and rapid delivery of military effect—particularly through what is called 'network-centric capability', bringing together sensors and strike assets. The increase in the defence budget as a result of SR2002 will enable us to make investment necessary to acquire these sorts of capabilities.

General Service Medal

Gillian Merron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the award of a general service medal to those who served in the armed forces in the Suez canal zone from 1951 to 1954.

Lewis Moonie: The Government consider it important to respect the principle that where there is a clear, demonstrable decision taken within five years of a campaign that a general service medal should not be awarded, that decision should not be reopened.
	The evidence relating to consideration of a general service medal for the Suez canal zone is, however, less clear-cut. A number of representations have been made by the veterans of that campaign with which the Government have considerable sympathy.
	In view of these exceptional circumstances, the Government are setting up a small sub-committee of HD Committee under the chairmanship of General Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank to report on the case for an exceptional award of a general service medal for the Suez canal zone without creating wider precedent or breaching long-standing principles which underpin the making of such awards.

Defence Housing Executive

Gillian Merron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Defence Housing Executive for the financial year 2002–03.

Lewis Moonie: The following key targets have been set for the Defence Housing Executive for 2002–03.
	Key Target 1
	To house at least 72 per cent. of families in accommodation that matches their entitlement by posting date or on return to GB from overseas, and at least 93 per cent. within 28 days of their required date;
	and to give notice of address within 14 days of receipt of an application for accommodation. 1
	Key Target 2
	Less than 5 per cent. of occupants should experience significant defects within 14 days of moving in.
	Key Target 3
	To complete the upgrade of 1,200 properties by 31 March 2003 as part of the programme to upgrade all core stock required for the longer term.
	Key Target 4
	To complete:
	at least 95 per cent. of emergency repairs within 24 hours of notification;
	at least 90 per cent. of urgent repairs within five working days of notification;
	at least 95 per cent. of routine repairs within two months of notification.
	Key Target 5
	To reduce the management margin progressively towards 10 per cent. by November 2005, to better balance supply and demand while delivering other key targets. (The DHE's interim target for 31 March 2003 is to have a management margin of 12.1 per cent.).
	Key Target 6
	To develop a method for indexing the level of satisfaction of SFA occupants. 2
	1 The revised notice of address procedure will be introduced in December 2002. Therefore, benchmarking will take place over the last half of FY 2002–03 in order to determine the performance targets for subsequent years.
	2 Benchmarking will take place during 2002–03 in order for DHE to be in a position by April 2003 to define precise targets for subsequent years.
	Regarding key target 3 on the upgrade programme, as a result of good progress made to date, over 19,000 properties managed by DHE are now at standard one for condition, and some 90 per cent. of families are housed in properties at Standard one or two. The upgrade programme will continue to progress, with demanding targets set for DHE each year until the programme is completed against the services' long-term core requirements for family housing.
	Copies of DHE's corporate plan will be placed in the Library of the House.

Gulf War

Gillian Merron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the latest figures are for deaths of (a) Gulf veterans and (b) among the control group; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The latest data, as at 30 June 2002, are shown in Table 1. Because of concern among some Gulf veterans over deaths caused by cancer, Table 2 provides a detailed breakdown of deaths from cancer (malignant neoplasm) by anatomical site.
	We are currently discussing with the university of Manchester proposals for a detailed comparative study of the incidence of cancers among Gulf veterans and the Era comparison group and underlying factors, and hope to place a contract shortly. We also plan to commission a study of a cohort of Bosnia veterans on whom data are already available.
	We are also discussing with the university of Manchester a detailed study of the factors underlying the figures for road traffic accident deaths, and hope to place a contract in the near future.
	In addition, we have asked the Medical Research Council (MRC) to undertake an independent review of the research work that has been carried out into Gulf veterans' illnesses and advise on appropriate areas for future research. The MRC's conclusions will be published.
	
		Table 1: Deaths to UK Gulf veterans(4) 1 April 1991–30 June 2002—Causes(5)
		
			 ICD Chapter/Cause of death Gulf Era Mortality rate ratio(6) 
		
		
			 All deaths 551 547 1.00 
			 
			 All cause coded deaths 542 537 1.00 
			 
			 I-XVI—Disease-related causes 213 256 0.83 
			 I—Infectious and parasitic diseases 4 2 1.99 
			 II—Cancers 92 99 0.93 
			 III—Endocrine and immune disorders 1 4 0.25 
			 V—Mental disorders 11 12 0.91 
			 VI—Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs 10 8 1.24 
			 VII—Diseases of the circulatory system 71 99 0.71 
			 VIII—Diseases of the respiratory system 10 5 1.99 
			 IX—Diseases of the digestive system 12 17 0.70 
			 IV, X-XVI—All other disease-related causes 2 10 0.20 
			 
			 EXVII—External causes of injury and poisoning 329 281 1.17 
			 Railway accidents 4 1 3.98 
			 Motor vehicle accidents 118 92 1.27 
			 Water transport accidents 4 1 3.98 
			 Air and space accidents 25 18 1.38 
			 Other vehicle accidents 0 2 0.00 
			 Accidental poisoning 11 14 0.78 
			 Accidental falls 8 7 1.14 
			 Accidents due to fire/flames 0 2 0.00 
			 Accidents due to natural environmental factors 2 2 1.00 
			 Accidents due to submersion/suffocation/foreign bodies 17 7 2.42 
			 Other accidents 31 28 1.14 
			 Late effects of accident/injury 0 2 0.00 
			 Suicide and injury undetermined whether accidental 100 97 1.03 
			 Homicide 6 4 1.49 
			 Injury resulting from the operations of war 3 4 0.75 
			 
			 Other deaths for which coded cause data are not yet available 5 4 — 
			 
			 Overseas deaths for which cause data are not available 4 6 — 
		
	
	(4) Service and ex-service personnel only.
	(5) (Coded to ICD-9). World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases 9th revision 1977.
	(6) Mortality rate ratios differ marginally from the crude deaths ratio owing to some small differences between the Gulf and Era cohorts.
	
		Table 2: Deaths due to neoplasms among UK Gulf veterans(7) -- 1 April 1991–30 June 2002—Major anatomical sites(8)
		
			 ICD 9 Site Gulf Era 
		
		
			 140–239 All neoplasms 92 99 
			 
			 140–149 Malignant neoplasm of lip, oral cavity and pharynx 3 4 
			 150–159 Malignant neoplasm of digestive organs and peritoneum 18 23 
			 160–165 Malignant neoplasm of respiratory and intrathoracic organs 15 21 
			 170–175 Malignant neoplasm of bone, connective tissue, skin and breast 14 8 
			
			 179–189 Malignant neoplasm of genitourinary organs 2 4 
			 190–199 Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified site 18 26 
			 200–208 Malignant neoplasm of lymphatic and haematopoietic tissue 19 11 
			 239 Unspecified nature 3 2 
		
	
	(7) Service and ex-service personnel only.
	(8) Coded to ICD-9. World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases 9th revision 1977.

Defence Aviation Repair Agency

Gillian Merron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Defence Aviation Repair Agency for financial year 2002–03.

Lewis Moonie: Key Performance Indicators have been set for the Chief Executive of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) for financial year 2002–03 as follows:
	
		DARA key performance indicators for financial year 2002–03
		
			 Title Details Target 
		
		
			 KPI 1—Financial performance 1 The measurement of DARA's ROCE To achieve a minimum average ROCE of 6 per cent. over the first three years of trading—subject to the maintenance of current MOD customer planning assumptions, the availability of sufficient funding and the understanding that directed sub-contract work will count towards the obligation. 
			
			 KPI 2—Financial performance 2 The measurement of value of contracts won. To achieve order intake to the value of at least £60 million. 
			 KPI-3—Quality The measurement of attributable major customer concerns received from DARA's customers To have no more attributable major customer concerns than the baseline set on DARA's performance of financial year 2001–02 
			
			 KPI4—Efficiency The measurement of the reduction in unit production price of a representative basket of DARA outputs To achieve a reduction in the unit production price of 4 per cent. in real terms, of the basket of products (weighted by value of annual task quantity), baselined from financial year 2001–02—subject to the maintenance of current MOD customer planning assumptions, the availability of sufficient funding and the understanding that directed sub-contract work will count towards the obligation.

Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

Gillian Merron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the public-private partnership for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.

Lewis Moonie: On 1 July 2001 the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency was successfully divided into QinetiQ plc, currently a wholly Government-owned company, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, which remains part of the Ministry of Defence.
	On 6 March 2002, I informed the House that we had decided to sell a substantial stake in QinetiQ to a strategic partner who would help to develop the company in preparation for a future flotation on the stockmarket. Our decision followed a detailed analysis of market conditions, which led us to conclude that this approach offered best value for the taxpayer, and would meet our objectives for a successful public private partnership.
	Immediately following this announcement we initiated an open competition and carried out a pre-qualification process to identify potential partners. Almost 40 expressions of interest were received, and at the end of April 2002 12 organisations were selected to receive an Information Memorandum describing the company. Following an evaluation in late May 2002 of indicative offers from bidders, several companies were then provided with access to more detailed information on QinetiQ and invited to submit final binding bids. In order to maximise competition we do not propose to reveal how many companies were selected to participate in this stage, or their identities.
	We have received a number of responses within the last few days from the shortlisted bidders, and these are now being comprehensively evaluated by officials and specialist advisers. The results of the selection process are not yet available but we remain on track to identify the preferred bidder within the next few weeks, and complete the initial sale later this year.

QinetiQ

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, in respect of his departmental minute concerning the Ministry of Defence's agreement with QinetiQ on the allocation of pre-vesting liabilities dated 8 July, he will withhold final approval of the proposed indemnity for inherited environmental liabilities to be provided for QinetiQ until such time as a detailed financial appraisal of the prospective size of the liabilities is provided to Parliament for debate.

Lewis Moonie: No. It is important to understand that the vast majority of environmental liabilities on freehold sites have transferred to QinetiQ. The small number of liabilities inherited by QinetiQ to which the departmental minute refers is being retained in Government as detailed analysis has shown that this represents best value for money in the light of reasonable commercial insurance not being available. The very low level of past claims and specialist analysis suggest actual risk associated with these specific liabilities is extremely small.

Lancer Reconnaissance System

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Lancer reconnaissance integrated technology system is expected to replace the reconnaissance vehicles in service in the UK military; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The Lancer integrated demonstrator vehicle was one of two developed under the assessment phase of the joint UK/US Tracer programme. This vehicle is undergoing a series of user trials to demonstrate the technical maturity and military utility of a number of key armoured vehicle technologies.
	Although the participating nations decided, jointly, to terminate the Tracer programme at the end of the assessment phase, we expect to be able to apply some of the key technologies to future equipment programmes, in particular the Future Rapid Effects System (FRES) programme, which is due to enter service around the end of the decade.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Staff Training

John Bercow: To ask the Solicitor-General how much the Department has spent on staff training and development in each of the last five years.

Harriet Harman: The amount spent by each of the Departments for which the Attorney-General is responsible in each of the last five years is set out below.
	Crown Prosecution Service
	1997–98: £1,234,217
	1998–99: £1,339,271
	1999–2000: £2,069,216
	2000–01: £2,700,903
	2001–02: £5,620,922
	Serious Fraud Office
	1996–97: £127,051
	1997–98: £134,692
	1998–99: £124,949
	1999–2000: £180,936
	2000–01: £237,996
	Treasury Solicitor's Department
	Figures for the last four years are:
	1998–99: £213,460
	1999–2000: £230,690
	2000–01: £337,900
	2001–02: £402,080
	Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers
	1998–99: £13,820
	1999–2000: £8,800
	2000–01: £11,750
	2001–02: £10,500
	HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate
	Information is only available for the year 2001–02 as before 1 April 2001 the inspectorate was part of the Crown Prosecution Service and training costs form part of the figures provided by the CPTs. The sum expended on training in 2001–02 was £26,600.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Radioactive Discharges

Gillian Merron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to publish the UK strategy for radioactive discharges.

Michael Meacher: The strategy is currently being printed and will be published very shortly. Copies will be placed in the Library. The document will also be available on the DEFRA website.
	The strategy demonstrates how the UK will achieve substantial reductions in radioactive discharges in the period to 2020, to implement agreements reached at the 1998 ministerial meeting and subsequent meetings of the OSPAR Commission.
	Radioactive discharges in the UK have already been reduced to around 1 per cent. of peak levels in the 1970s. This strategy represents the next chapter of what has been an increasingly effective policy to minimise such discharges and shows that the Government are determined to maintain the downward pressure and achieve the objective of the OSPAR radioactive substances strategy.

Rural Payments Agency

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what targets she has set the Rural Payments Agency for 2002–03.

Margaret Beckett: I have set the Rural Payments Agency the following performance targets for 2002–03:
	Efficiency Performance
	1. To successfully negotiate Office of Government Commerce (OGC) Gateway 3 by 31 December 2002.
	2. To ensure the main programme contract is ready to let by 31 December 2002, once Gateway 3 is achieved.
	Financial Performance
	3. To operate within the 2002–03 resource budget allocations as agreed with DEFRA.
	4. To ensure that disallowance within the control of RPA due to non-compliance with EU requirement remains below 2 per cent. of the value of CAP payments made by the Agency.
	5. To account accurately and to deadline for EAGGF funds.
	Business Continuity and Service Delivery
	6. To process and pay at least 96.14 per cent. of valid IACS claims by value within the EU deadline.
	7. To process and pay at least 85 per cent. of valid non-IACS claims by volume within ministerial deadlines and all claims within the set EU deadlines or in their absence 60 days.
	8. To process at least 98.5 per cent. of all valid claims correctly.
	Service Quality and Delivery
	9. To publish customer service standards that meet Charter Mark guidelines by 30 June 2002.
	10. To use the customer survey to establish a baseline for customer satisfaction and agree and undertake improvement activities by 31 December 2002.
	11. To use the EFQM Excellence Model in all RPA business units to assess current enablers' ability to deliver required targets and outcomes, agreeing change action plans by 31 March 2003.
	Reform Initiatives
	12. To use the staff survey to establish a baseline for staff satisfaction by 31 December 2002 and agree and undertake improvement activities by 31 March 2003.
	13. To complete roll out of diversity training across RPA by 31 March 2003.
	14. To reduce sick absence to no more than 7.9 days per staff year by 31 March 2003.

Central Science Laboratory

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish the 2001–02 annual report for the Central Science Laboratory.

Elliot Morley: The 2001–02 annual report and accounts for the Central Science Laboratory were laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

Enriched Cages

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the public consultation on a possible ban on enriched cages in England will begin.

Elliot Morley: The public consultation will start on 24 July and last for three months.

Common Land

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to announce the outcome of the review of common land policy and legislation, following the consultation exercise that took place in 2000.

Alun Michael: We have today published a "Common Land Policy Statement" jointly with the National Assembly for Wales. This, together with the "Report on Consultation Responses", is available in the Library of the House, on the DEFRA website, and from the National Assembly for Wales.
	The policy statement contains a comprehensive package of proposals relating to the registration and protection of common land and village greens. It also outlines our objectives for improving the agricultural management of common land and announces our intention to set up as soon as possible a working party of stakeholders to make recommendations on how these objectives can best be met.
	In the rural White Paper, issued in November 2000, the Government gave a commitment to legislate as soon as parliamentary time allows. We hope to be able to do so in the 2004–05 session.

Veterinary Medicines Directorate

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish the 2001–02 annual report for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

Elliot Morley: The 2001–02 annual report and accounts for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate were laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

Veterinary Laboratories Agency

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish the 2001–02 annual report for the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

Elliot Morley: The 2001–02 annual report and accounts for the Veterinary Laboratories Agency were laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

Water Industry

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the consultation paper on competition in the water industry will be published.

Michael Meacher: I announced to the House on 19 March 2002, the Government's proposals for increasing competition in the water industry in England and Wales, Official Report, column 265W. I promised to publish a consultation paper with further details of our proposals later in the year.
	I can now confirm that the consultation paper on competition in the water industry will be published in the next few weeks.

Public Relations Consultants

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was spent by (a) her Department and (b) bodies for which it is responsible on external public relations consultants in each of the last four years.

Elliot Morley: As DEFRA was created in June 2001, retrospective information prior to that date does not exist for the Department. Information on such expenditure by DEFRA's agencies and non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally and to provide it would incur disproportionate costs.
	There have been three DEFRA managed campaigns where PR consultants were employed . The costs of their services over the past financial year were as follows:
	'Are you Doing your Bit?' campaign—£12,000
	UK's Emissions Trading Scheme campaign—£95,000
	'Your Countryside, You're Welcome' campaign—£210,000.
	The delay in supplying this answer to the hon. Gentleman is regretted.

Common Agricultural Policy

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 21 May 2002, Official Report, column 200, what recent discussions she has had with her French counterpart on reform of the CAP.

Elliot Morley: All member states set out their initial responses to the European Commission's proposals for the next stage of CAP reform at the EU Agriculture Council on 15 July. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be discussing these proposals with all of her EU agriculture colleagues over the coming months.

Ministerial Speeches

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if she will list the speeches which (a) she and (b) other Ministers from her Department have made to external organisations and businesses since 7 June 2001, in each case saying where the speech is publicly available; if she will place copies of speeches not available in the Library; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  when she will answer the question of the hon. Member for Gordon, reference 56552, on departmental speeches.

Elliot Morley: All DEFRA Ministers make a number of speeches every week and so it would be only at disproportionate cost that a fully comprehensive list could be assembled. However, a list has been placed in the Library of the House which shows the principal keynote speeches made by DEFRA Ministers since 7 June 2001. Some of these are available on the DEFRA website (as are other, more minor speeches) and, where possible, the others are available upon request although generally not in an 'as delivered' format.

Ministerial Speeches

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representation the Scottish Executive will have on delegations to meetings with the European Commission to discuss their proposals for reform of the CAP.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 17 July 2002
	In accordance with the Concordat on Co-ordination of European Policy Issues (Part IIB of Cm 4444) and a bilateral concordat, the role of Ministers and officials of the devolved Administrations in the CAP reform negotiations will be to support and advance the single UK negotiating line which they will have played a part in developing. How that role is best fulfilled will be a matter for discussion with the devolved Administrations, but it is expected that Scottish Executive representatives will form part of the UK delegation for appropriate EU meetings.

Ministerial Speeches

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's response is to the European Commission's proposals for the reform of the CAP, as referred to in the mid-term review.

Kali Mountford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the EU Commission's proposals to reform the CAP.

Elliot Morley: The Government welcome publication of the European Commission's proposals for reform of the CAP which will form a good basis for discussion. We believe that the general thrust of the proposals for further market reform, decoupling of direct payments from production, and reinforcement of the rural development regulation is the right one, although in a number of key areas the Government consider that the proposals do not go far enough and do not adequately respond to the challenges ahead.

Ministerial Speeches

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on what progress she expects on the reform of the common agricultural policy; and what timetable she expects will be agreed for its reform.

Elliot Morley: On 10 July the European Commission published a communication to the European Council and European Parliament on reform of the common agricultural policy. Having been discussed at the Agriculture Council on 15 July, we expect it to be discussed again at future Councils during the Danish presidency. We are still at a very early stage in these complex negotiations, and it is difficult to predict when agreement will be reached. However, it is expected that the Commission will not table legislative proposals until late October at the earliest. The Commission has proposed that any reform agreed will apply from 1 January 2004.

Ministerial Speeches

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact on the incomes of hill farmers in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) England of the proposed changes in the common agricultural policy announced by the European Commission; what representations she made to the European Commission relating to the CAP prior to their recommendations; what recent discussions she has had with the Scottish Executives on reform of the common agricultural policy; and what meetings she has arranged with the European Commission to discuss their proposals for reform of the CAP.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 17 July 2002
	An assessment has yet to be made of the impact on the incomes of hill farmers in England of the changes outlined in the Commission's CAP reform communication. It would be for the devolved Administrations to make such an assessment for farmers in Scotland and Wales. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, met Commissioner Fischler before publication of the Commission's communication to discuss related issues, and she has met him again since publication to discuss the specific proposals. CAP reform has been a recurring agenda item for the regular meetings my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, has with Ministers from the devolved Administrations prior to EU Agriculture Council meetings. The most recent such meeting took place in Brussels on 15 July, focusing on the Commission's communication. No further meetings have been arranged with the EU Commission at this stage.

Farming Research

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 20 June 2002, Official Report, column 472W, on farming research, how many projects, by category, were funded in each year since 1991–92.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 27 June 2002
	Many hundreds of new research projects are initiated every year. I regret that a breakdown of these projects in the form requested could be supplied only at disproportionate cost. However, details of current DEFRA funded projects can be found on the Department's website at http:// www.defra.gov.uk/research/projects. Information on all rural livelihoods, natural resources and environment projects funded by the Department for International Development since 1992 can be found on the Natural Resources Information System (NARSIS) searchable on-line database www.narsis.org.

Feed Additives

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the use of feed additives for animals reared for country sports; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 5 July 2002
	Any additive used in animal feed for food producing animals (including birds reared to be shot for the table) must be authorised centrally by the European Commission under EU law. Under these arrangements each product is considered on its own merits.
	No general assessment has been made of the use of feed additives for animals reared for country sports. We are aware that dimetridazole (DMZ) is used by game bird producers as a veterinary medicinal product in feed. DMZ was also authorised as a feed additive for use in turkeys and quail but this authorisation was withdrawn by the European Commission after a six month selling off period on 15 May 2002 because the manufacturer did not provide sufficient data to support the product under a review of all feed additive authorisations.
	The legality of the UK's authorisation of DMZ as the active ingredient in three veterinary medicinal products for game birds has been challenged by the European Commission. We are seeking early discussions with the European Commission on this issue. In the meantime the marketing authorisations for these three veterinary medicines remain valid.

Fisheries

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether it is the UK Government's policy that the principle of relative stability underpinning the CFP is non-negotiable.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 8 July 2002
	The Government have stated on many occasions that we consider relative stability to be an integral part of the common fisheries policy (CFP), and we have no intention of moving from that position. We shall argue for this, and our other objectives, to be achieved during this year's review of the CFP.

Foot and Mouth

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farmers' markets have not re-opened since the foot and mouth crisis last year; where these markets are; and what information she has collated on the reasons why they have not re-opened.

Elliot Morley: The re-opening of livestock markets has been monitored since the introduction of the interim livestock movement rules on 11 February this year.
	A livestock market has been taken to be a market opening on a non-seasonal basis, selling livestock species susceptible to foot and mouth disease and which had been operating as a livestock market prior to last year's outbreak.
	As of 1 July 2002, of the 171 livestock markets to which the above definition applied:
	130 (76 per cent.) had re-opened;
	29 (17 per cent.) had indicated they hoped to re-open;
	12 (7 per cent.) had indicated they had no plans to re-open.
	Of those markets with no plans to re-open, the reasons for not re-opening were understood to be:
	Seven (58 per cent.) due to the livestock movement and biosecurity rules;
	Three (25 per cent.) due to commercial reasons not connected with the interim rules;
	Two (17 per cent.) reasons unclear (reasons are being sought).
	These 12 markets are set out in the table:
	
		
			 Market County Reason 
		
		
			 Aylsham Norfolk Interim rules 
			 Llanfair Caereinion Powys Interim rules 
			 Gowerton Swansea Interim rules 
			 Broughton Cumbria Unclear 
			 Pembroke Pembrokeshire Unclear 
			 Gloucester Gloucestershire Commercial 
			 Knaresborough North Yorkshire Interim rules 
			 Ripon North Yorkshire Commercial 
			 Grantham Lincolnshire Interim rules 
			 Newport (Isle of Wight) Isle of Wight Interim rules 
			 Rye Sussex Interim rules 
			 Leominster Herefordshire Commercial 
		
	
	These data have been collected from DEFRA Animal Health Offices and are kept under review.

Illegal Meat Imports

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if her Department has plans to form a partnership with countries in central and west Africa to tackle the trade in illegal meat imports.

Elliot Morley: The Department has already established links with countries in central and west Africa through the establishment of the CITES Bushmeat Working Group and via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's UK diplomatic missions in Harare, Accra, Abuja, Cairo, Pretoria, Kampala, Abidjan, Maseru, Dakar, Luanda, Nairobi, Kigali, Mbabane and Tunis. We believe the latter approach, in particular, to be important in raising the profile of UK restrictions and rules for personal imports of meat and other food items.

Egg Industry

Richard Page: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has made to the EU in respect of the Doha Development Agenda negotiations in order to prevent loss of competitiveness in the UK egg industry from (a) increased domestic regulatory costs and (b) reducing barriers to trade.

Elliot Morley: Reducing barriers to trade is fundamental to Government policy. However, I am concerned that there should be no competitive disadvantage as a result of higher EU regulatory costs than those faced by third country competitors. We have played an active part in formulating EU policy in this area and these concerns are fully reflected in the context of specific proposals on animal welfare that the European Commission has submitted in the Doha Development Agenda.

State Veterinary Service

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to increase the numbers of vets employed by the State Veterinary Service.

Elliot Morley: The State Veterinary Service has recently received additional funding in 2002–03 which will allow the lifting of a moratorium on the recruitment of veterinary staff in the current financial year. We will be reviewing how best to take forward the recruitment of replacement and additional staff in the context of this year's revised budget and anticipated budgets for future years in the light of the SR2002 settlement.
	Due consideration will also be given to any relevant recommendations made by the Lessons Learned and Royal Society inquiries.

Department-sponsored Organisations

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs further to her answer of 8 July 2002, Official Report, column 685W, on department-sponsored organisations, what plans she has to ensure that organisations sponsored by her Department are given their budgets prior to the beginning of the financial year.

Elliot Morley: The Spending Review 2002 settlement will provide the opportunity to allocate indicative budgets for 2003–04 to 2005–06. This also provides the opportunity to give an indication of the anticipated level of support over the period. Following the creation of DEFRA, we are further examining how the budget planning process can be enhanced, and the timetable we are working to should finalise allocation decisions prior to the start of the financial year.

Animal Welfare

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research she has commissioned and what assessment she has made of evidence on how high standards of farm animal welfare can be incorporated in an economically viable manner in her strategy for the future of farming.

Elliot Morley: Developing and maintaining high standards of farm animal welfare are at the heart of Government policy. Comprehensive legislation and species-specific welfare codes will form the basis to any new sustainable strategy for food and farming.

Animal Welfare

Gwyn Prosser: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where health certification was carried out in respect of the five consignments of live sheep exported from Dover to continental Europe on 15 July, how many of the sheep were rejected as unfit for the intended journey; where those sheep were taken; what final destination address was given on the route plan for each of the consignments; and what responsibility she had to check whether the arrangement foreseen in the route plan to rest, feed and water the animals, and the requirements of European Community law, were adhered to once the animals left the United Kingdom.

Elliot Morley: Health certification was carried out at four approved assembly centres in North Wales. At the time of inspection for certification, three sheep were rejected as unfit for their intended journey and eight sheep were rejected on animal health grounds. The sheep were transported from the assembly centres to Dover and then via Holland to EU approved slaughterhouses, four in France and one in Italy. All route plans are checked before they are stamped to ensure that the proposed journey complies with requirements for rest, feed and water. Completed route plans must be returned within 15 days of the end of the journey showing details of the actual journey and any deviations from the planned journey. Returned route plans are checked and any queries followed up.

Livestock Movements

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to review the 20-day standstill rules on animal movement; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 16 July 2002
	No decisions about the future of the 20-day standstill will be taken before the consideration of the report of the Lessons Learned inquiry.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the EU Joint Meetings of Management and/or Regulatory Committees in the field of agriculture-trade mechanisms is next due to meet; whether experts nominated by the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The next meeting of the DG Agri Trade Mechanisms Management Committee is scheduled for 17 September 2002. The Committee oversees a number of import and export CAP market support and control measures. These measures are administered for the UK by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In view of the RPA's UK wide remit representatives from SERAD do not routinely attend. However arrangements are in place in order to ensure that meeting agendas are notified to SERAD with an invitation to comment on any issues of interest.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Madagascar) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Madagascar. The European Commission negotiates directly with Madagascar on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these Working Groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Angola) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Angola. The European Commission negotiates directly with Angola on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these Working Groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Comoros) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Comoros. The European Commission negotiates directly with Comoros on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these Working Groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Gambia) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Gambia. The European Commission negotiates directly with Gambia on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Equatorial Guinea) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Equatorial Guinea. The European Commission negotiates directly with Equatorial Guinea on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Russia) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: A meeting to discuss the possibility of a new fisheries agreement between the EU and Russia will take place on 24 and 25 July 2002. The European Commission will represent member states in the negotiations. Officials in my Department have consulted with SEERAD colleagues and are aware of the interests of Scottish fishermen in any opportunities afforded under any agreement with Russia. UK representation for EU co-ordination for this and other meetings varies according to the agenda for the meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Lithuania) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Lithuania. The European Commission negotiates directly with Lithuania on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Poland) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Poland. The European Commission negotiates directly with Poland on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Greenland) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Greenland. The European Commission negotiates directly with Greenland on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Estonia) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Estonia. The European Commission negotiates directly with Estonia on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Sáo Tomé and Principe) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Sáo Tomé and Principe. The European Commission negotiates directly with Sáo Tomé and Principe on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Guinea Bissau) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Guinea Bissau. The European Commission negotiates directly with Guinea Bissau on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Morocco) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU Morocco. The European Commission negotiates directly with Morocco on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Cape Verde) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Cape Verde. The European Commission negotiates directly with Cape Verde on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Côte d'Ivoire) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Côte d'Ivoire. The European Commission negotiates directly with Côte d'Ivoire on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Mauritius) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Mauritius. The European Commission negotiates directly with Mauritius on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Seychelles) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Seychelles. The European Commission negotiates directly with Seychelles on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Latvia) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Latvia. The European Commission negotiates directly with Latvia on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Senegal) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Senegal. The European Commission negotiates directly with Senegal on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Argentina) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Argentina. The European Commission negotiates directly with Argentina on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Guinea) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: There is no scheduled date yet available for the next meeting between the EU and Guinea. The European Commission negotiates directly with Guinea on fishery matters on behalf of the EU. However, fishery issues with third countries are discussed at European Council Working Groups on Fisheries. UK representation at European Council Working Group on Fisheries varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include members of the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of specific interest. The Scottish Executive regularly attends these working groups.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the EU Advisory Committee on Community Policy regarding Forestry and Forest-based Industries is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The EU Advisory Committee on Community Policy regarding Forestry and Forest-based Industries meets as and when business arises. The date of its next meeting has not been fixed as yet. The UK is represented by an official from the Forestry Commission, which reports to forestry Ministers in England, Scotland and Wales.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the EU Standing Committee on Propagating Material and Plants of fruit Genera and Species is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The European Commission has indicated that the EU Standing Committee on Propagating Material and Plants of Fruit Genera and Species is likely to next meet sometime this autumn, although a date for the meeting has yet to be announced. UK representation varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include officials from the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of sufficient interest.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the EU Standing Committee on Plant Health is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The next meeting of the EU Standing Committee on Plant Health is provisionally on 26–27 September 2002. UK representation varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include officials from the Scottish Executive, other devolved Administrations and the Forestry Commission, where there are items of sufficient interest.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the EU Standing Committee on Propagating Material and Ornamental Plants is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The European Commission has indicated that the EU Standing Committee on Propagating Material and Ornamental Plants is likely to next meet sometime this autumn, although a date for the meeting has yet to be announced. UK representation varies according to the agenda for each meeting and may include officials from the Scottish Executive and other devolved Administrations where there are items of sufficient interest.

New Rural Businesses

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost has been in each of the past five years of programmes designed to start new businesses in rural communities.

Alun Michael: One aim of the England Rural Development Programme is to encourage new business activity which benefits rural economies and communities. This may be helped through the expansion of existing business activity, new business activity within an existing business, or activity in a new and separate business in a rural area. There is no separate funding programme which solely targets new businesses only.
	Within the ERDP, the Rural Enterprise Scheme supports both farmers diversifying via new and expanded business activity, and non-farmers with projects in the rural tourism and food marketing sectors. Similarly, the Processing and Marketing Grant supports both new and expanded business activity in the processing of primary foods. Equivalent measures also exist in objective one areas. We do not have separate figures for assistance to new business start-ups and it would depend how 'new businesses' were to be defined. For example, if a farm business diversifies into running a children's nursery or selling clothes over the internet, it might either still be a single diversified farm business or the nursery and clothing sales might be considered new businesses.

Government Funding

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding the Government provide for the (a) Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and (b) Veterinary Laboratories Agency; and if this sum will be increased in 2003.

Elliot Morley: DEFRA has no research contracts with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute directly. At present, there is no commitment of funds to them for this year or the future.
	The accounts for VLA show an income of £74,082,000 from DEFRA for the financial year 2001–02. VLA received a further £4,820,000 from other Government sources (e.g. FSA) giving a total income from Government of £78,902,000. These are figures from the VLA annual accounts which are due to be laid in Parliament on 23 July.
	At this stage of the financial year, VLA's anticipated budgets show £78 million receivable from DEFRA and £5 million from other Government sources, giving a total forecast income for 2002–03 from Government of £83 million (an anticipated increase of approximately 5.2 per cent. over 2001–02).

Abattoirs

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) cattle and (b) sheep were transported from (i) England to Scottish abattoirs and (ii) Scotland to English abattoirs in each of the last five years; and how many (A) cattle and (B) sheep were transported from (1) the Irish Republic to abattoirs in Northern Ireland and (2) Northern Ireland to abattoirs in the Irish Republic in each of the last five years.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 17 July 2002
	The full range of statistics requested is not available. However, data from the Cattle Tracing Scheme indicates that:
	(a) 56.0 thousand cattle in 2000 and 17.3 thousand cattle in 2001, born in England or Wales and not previously on Scottish agricultural holdings, were slaughtered in Scottish abattoirs; and
	(b) 36.7 thousand cattle born in Scotland were slaughtered in English or Welsh abattoirs in 2001—these may include cattle retained on farm in England or Wales for a period of time and not represent those transported directly to an abattoir.
	Control measures taken during the outbreak of foot and mouth disease last year will have impacted on animal movements. No data are available for movement of sheep between England and Scotland.
	Data provided by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland, show that:
	(c) In 2001, 25.1 thousand cattle were imported from the Republic of Ireland for slaughter in abattoirs in Northern Ireland. Data for the last five calendar years are shown in the table:
	
		
			  Thousand 
		
		
			 1997 (9)7.0 
			 1998 1.4 
			 1999 7.0 
			 2000 14.4 
			 2001 25.1 
		
	
	(9) Excluding the 1,200 cattle slaughtered under the Calf Processing Aid Scheme.
	No cattle born in Northern Ireland were slaughtered in abattoirs in the Republic of Ireland during this period because exports of live cattle were banned as part of BSE control measures.
	(d) In 2001, 22.8 thousand sheep were imported from the Republic of Ireland for slaughter in abattoirs in Northern Ireland. Data for the last five calendar years are shown in the table:
	
		
			  Thousand 
		
		
			 1997 108.8 
			 1998 93.7 
			 1999 127.2 
			 2000 169.4 
			 2001 22.8 
		
	
	Recorded sheep exports from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland are available only since the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. The figures available are:
	
		
			  Thousand 
		
		
			 2001 (from March) 161.1 
			 2002 (to 6 July) 79.4

Nuclear Waste (Sellafield)

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many shipments of nuclear waste are expected to be made by sea to Sellafield within the next two years.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 17 July 2002
	None. The Government's policy is that radioactive waste should not be imported to (or exported from) the UK, except for the recovery of reusable materials, or, in certain circumstances, for treatment that will make its subsequent storage or disposal more manageable. In accordance with International Atomic Energy Agency and Euratom definitions, spent fuel is not categorised as waste while the option of reprocessing it remains open and a future use for the fuel can be foreseen.

Bovine TB

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the ISG's preliminary analysis of the risk factors associated with cattle TB.

Elliot Morley: The ISG's preliminary analysis of data from the 'TB99' epidemiological survey is included in its third report which is available on DEFRA's website at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/point5/p5prog
	We have accepted the main conclusion that a full analysis of data is not possible at present. The preliminary comparative analyses that have been undertaken do, however, indicate the value of the TB99 questionnaire and the soundness of its design based on ISG advice. The completion of TB99 questionnaires has been delayed by the foot and mouth disease outbreak and the subsequent deployment of veterinary resources to address the backlog of cattle TB testing. However, negotiations are under way to employ contractors to help catch up in this important area of the cattle TB research programme.

Bovine TB

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average time has been between when cattle are being compulsorily slaughtered under TB control measures and the receipt of compensation payments by the farmer over the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Elliot Morley: The information requested is not readily available for the GB as a whole and could be produced only at disproportionate cost.
	The Government believe that compensation for animals slaughtered should be paid promptly. We are aware of payment delays in some areas due to the pressure of work generated by increased bovine TB testing.

Bovine TB

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what strategy options have been considered regarding the economic difficulties and movement restrictions regarding bovine TB; and when a decision will be made on these options.

Elliot Morley: My officials met industry representatives on 27 June to discuss a range of options for softening the economic impact on farmers of movement restrictions applied to herds as a result of TB breakdowns.
	Our priority is to ensure that disease control will not be compromised by any new measures applied, therefore, objective risk assessments of the proposals made by industry representatives are being commissioned. No decisions can be made until the risk assessments and full cost benefit analyses have been completed. Officials plan to meet with industry representatives again on this matter in September.

Bovine TB

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many false positives for bovine TB have been recorded in the current year; and how many false positives there were (a) as a percentage of positive tests and (b) as a percentage of all the tests.

Elliot Morley: No test for the diagnosis of bovine TB is 100 per cent. specific.
	In the UK, the diagnosis of bovine TB in live cattle relies on the single intradermal comparative test which involves the use of both avian and bovine tuberculins. This test is designed to exclude animals which react to other, often non-pathogenic bacteria, which would otherwise interfere with the test and produce 'false positive' reactions.
	Reactors to the skin test, including animals which give an inconclusive reaction after two retests, are slaughtered and examined post-mortem. Infection is confirmed by either the presence of typical, visible lesions or by the laboratory culture of the organism. In the year 2000, of approximately 7,000 reactors slaughtered, post-mortem examination failed to confirm infection in about 45 per cent. of cases. Infection is confirmed in around 60 to 65 per cent. of herds with one or more reactors.
	However, these post-mortem examinations are also less than 100 per cent. sensitive, so failure to detect visible lesions or failure to culture the organism does not confirm the absence of infection. It is not therefore possible to determine how many animals which reacted to the skin test are 'false positives'.

Bovine TB

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what delays there are in compensation payments for cattle compulsorily slaughtered under TB control; and what extra compensation has been paid for the delays.

Elliot Morley: The Government recognise that compensation for animals slaughtered should be paid promptly. We are aware of some delays in payment in some areas due to the priority given by Animal Health Offices to clearing the backlog of TB testing after the foot and mouth disease outbreak. No extra compensation payments have been made in these cases.

Bovine TB

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what compensation is provided for cattle that falsely test positive for bovine TB.

Elliot Morley: It is Government policy to pay 100 per cent. of market value, with no upper limit, for cattle that are compulsorily slaughtered under TB control measures.

Bovine TB

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent research she has commissioned on a bovine TB vaccine that is better than 60 per cent. effective; and if she will make a statement on progress.

Elliot Morley: The Department has commissioned an extensive programme of research on the vaccination of animals against bovine TB following recommendations made in the Krebs report. Currently we have four projects which are directly related to generating and testing new vaccine candidates and these involve collaboration between Government agencies, institutes and universities both in the UK and internationally. There are also several allied projects to the vaccine programme which include using information from sequencing the M. bovis genome, studying the immune response and pathogenesis of TB, and developing improved diagnostic tests. However, success in developing a bovine TB vaccine that is better than 60 per cent. effective cannot be guaranteed.
	The Independent Scientific Group on cattle TB is at present carrying out a scoping study into the feasibility of vaccination and is due to report at the end of the year.

Flooding

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will ensure that special precautions are taken to protect the people of Canvey Island at the time of the high tide expected in October.

Elliot Morley: Responsibility for flood forecasting and warning falls to the Environment Agency (EA) who have well-established arrangements with the Meteorological Office for securing accurate and timely weather forecasts. The emergency response to flooding falls primarily to local authorities, working with the emergency services and in close consultation and liaison with the EA.
	In recent years flood warning has been improved, emergency plans checked and amended and liaison arrangements between the EA, local authorities and emergency services improved.
	Canvey Island is protected by flood defences to a standard which is among the highest in the country. These defences protect against all but the most extreme conditions (those with a probability of occurrence of 0.001 or less in any one year). No special measures are therefore considered to be necessary to provide further protection during October above those already in place.

Flooding

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance his Department gives to local authorities regarding the granting of planning permission on (a) flood plains and (b) areas considered at risk from flooding.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions published planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 25 Development and flood risk for Transport Local Government and the Regions in July 2001. PPG 25 advises on the consideration of flooding issues that is needed at all stages of the planning system. In particular, it establishes a risk-based sequential test that gives priority to lower-risk areas and advises that built development on the functional flood plain should be wholly exceptional.

Canoeists

Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the new chairs of the regional fisheries, ecology and recreation advisory committees for the (a) Southern, (b) South West, (c) North West and (d) Thames region, on increasing access to water in their region for canoeists.

Alun Michael: No such discussions have taken place. The new appointees do not take up their posts until 1 October 2002.

French Beef Ban

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has made to (a) the European Commission and (b) her French counterpart on the French ban on the import of UK beef since the expiry of the 15 day period imposed by the European Court for the lifting of the ban.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 18 July 2002
	The Secretary of State made representations to the French Agriculture Minister on 15 July during the Agriculture Council. The European Commission decided on 17 July to refer France to the European Court of Justice for a second time in order to enforce the judgment given by the Court on 13 December 2001 that the ban should be lifted. The Commission also requested the Court to impose a substantial daily fine on France of 158,250 euro per day for failure to comply with the judgment.

French Beef Ban

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what input the Government have into the process to be followed by the European Court following the refusal of the French Government to lift the ban on the import of UK beef within the 15 day time limit set down by the European Court.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 18 July 2002
	The European Commission decided on 17 July to refer France to the European Court of Justice for a second time in order to enforce the judgment given by the Court on 13 December 2001 that the ban should be lifted. Member states may apply to the Court to intervene in the case.

Pet Passports

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about extending the overseas travel arrangements for pets to the USA and Canada; and when she expects to implement the policy.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 19 July 2002
	I announced on 1 July that the Government intend to extend the Pet Travel Scheme to pets entering the UK from the USA and Canada, subject to satisfactory conclusions from further work to assess the risk of importing rabies. I expect this work to be completed in the autumn.

Agricultural Wages Board

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultations her Department has had with the NFU over the 2002 wages award recommended by the Agricultural Wages Board.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 19 July 2002
	The president of the National Farmers Union (NFU) wrote on 10 July to Lord Whitty, the Under- Secretary, expressing concern about the decisions made by the Agricultural Wages Board at is meeting on 3–4 July.
	In subsequent discussions with the president of the NFU, Lord Whitty has made it clear that the Agricultural Wages Board is an independent body and it is not for Ministers to interfere in the processes of the Board.

Agricultural Wages Board

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultations her Department has had with the Agricultural Wages Board about the 2002 wages award.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 19 July 2002
	The Department has had no consultations with the Agricultural Wages Board about the 2002 wages award. The Agricultural Wages Board is an independent organisation and it would not be appropriate for Ministers to intervene or seek to influence Board decisions.

Agricultural Wages Board

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost to the horticultural industry of the 2002 wages award recommended by the Agricultural Wages Board.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 19 July 2002
	The Department provides statistical information to the Agricultural Wages Board in advance of its negotiations each year. This includes a ready reckoner showing the cost of a 1 per cent. and a £1 per week increase in pay rates for the agricultural industry as a whole.
	The proposals made by the Board for 2002 involve a number of changes to the wage structure contained in the Agricultural Wages Order. As a result, the ready reckoner cannot be relied on to provide a reliable estimate of the cost of the proposed 2002 award. However, DEFRA officials are working with the Board to cost its proposals and will share this information with the industry as soon as it is available.

Carbaryl

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if her Department will reconsider its decision to ban the use of Carbaryl (Thinsec).

Elliot Morley: holding answer 19 July 2002
	The loss of Carbaryl (Thinsec) stems from a commercial decision by the approval holder not to support the compound in the UK review of anticholinesterase pesticides. I see no reason, in the absence of modern safety data, why any pesticide product containing Carbaryl should be allowed back on to the market.

French Lamb Ban

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with (a) the Scottish NFU and (b) NFU Wales on the potential effects of the ban on the export of lamb as proposed by the French Government.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 22 July 2002
	The Government are very well aware of concerns about the potentially serious effects of proposed French measures on sheep SRM in relation to the Scottish and Welsh sheep industries. Not least as a result of representations from the NFU, the MLC and from officials in the devolved Administrations who have been assiduous in representing the concerns of their stakeholders.
	Both Ministers and officials are continuing to emphasise to the French authorities the very considerable importance of complying with EU rules on sheep SRM. We are also in touch with the European Commission about this issue.
	The Government will continue to argue strongly for the cancellation of the French proposals banning spinal cords of animals aged between six and 12 months, which provide no significant consumer protection benefit and are widely regarded as a disproportionate measure. Any further restrictions on sheep SRM must be agreed at Community level, not imposed unilaterally by member states. That is the way to maintain consumer confidence across Europe. It also ensures a level playing field for all member states regarding trade.
	Nonetheless, there is encouragement in France's recent decision to postpone these measures for six months. This shows that our arguments are having an effect.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how long the Department allowed for consultation on each consultation document it published in 2001 in (a) electronic and (b) printed form.

Elliot Morley: The Department issued 55 consultation documents in 2001 published both in electronic and printed form. 20 out of these had periods given for responses of less than 12 weeks.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in what format her Department has published the results of its 2001 written consultations.

Elliot Morley: The Departmental Guidance Notes for Written Consultations provides that at the end of all consultation exercises, sponsoring divisions should place all documents in the Department's main library where it is made accessible to members of the public on request.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which consultation documents published by her Department in 2001 were not made available as paper copies.

Elliot Morley: All consultation documents published by the Department in 2001 were made available as paper copies.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many complaints her Department has received about its 2001 consultations by (a) electronic and (b) printed means.

Elliot Morley: The Department has received nine complaints about its 2001 consultations by electronic means and in addition a further six were received by telephone. No other complaints were received.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department for has a designated consultation co-ordinator in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations.

Elliot Morley: The Department's designated consultation co-ordinator is Bronwen Jones. Her contact details are:
	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	Room 534, Nobel House
	17 Smith Square
	London
	SW1P 3JR
	Bronwen Jones: 020 7238 5457
	email: "bronwen.jones@defra.gsi.gov.uk"

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether consultation documents published by her Department in 2001 carried the consultation criteria as recommended in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations.

Elliot Morley: The departmental guidance notes for written consultations provides that consultation documents should include a summary of the criteria set out in the Code of Practice on Written Consultations. Compliance with this criteria is not monitored so information is not available.

Consultation

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the public consultations undertaken by her Department since 1997, indicating for each consultation (a) if copies were available on-line, (b) if copies were available in print, (c) the date the time period given for responses opened and (d) the date the time period given for responses closed.

Elliot Morley: The Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation applies to all formal national public consultation documents issued by Departments from 1 January 2001. The information requested for consultations undertaken before that date is not available. All consultation documents issued by the Department since 1 January 2001 were made available in print and on-line.
	The table shown sets out the consultations undertaken by the Department since 1 January 2001 indicating the date it was issued and the deadline for responses.
	
		
			 Consultation Date issued Deadline 
		
		
			 Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control: a Practical Guide, 2 edition—published for comment 28 June 2002 1 November 2002 
			 New draft Environmental Information Regulations 15 July 2002 4 October 2002 
			 Consultation on CAP reform: mid-term review of Agenda 2000 11 July 2002 4 October 2002 
			 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications (COM (2002) 119 final) 5 July 2002 30 September 2002 
			 Review of Access in Agri-Environment Schemes 8 July 2002 27 September 2002 
			 Consultation exercise on the bio-energy infrastructure scheme 25 June 2002 16 September 2002 
			 Crime prevention on rights of way: public consultation paper on the designation of areas and other procedural matters 19 June 2002 20 September 2002 
			 Enforcement of highway authorities' duty to prevent obstructions on rights of way: consultation paper on the implementation of section 63 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 19 June 2002 20 September 2002 
			 Implementation of Directive 2000/76/EC on the Incineration of Waste 21 June 2002 9 September 2002 
			 Consultation on shrimp trawls: separator trawls (sieve/veil nets) and sorting grids 18 June 2002 6 September 2002 
			 Draft guidance on control of Johne's disease in dairy herds 31 May 2002 31 August 2002 
			 Energy labelling of household air conditioners and electric ovens: Consultation on New Regulations for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland 11 June 2002 30 August 2002 
			 Implementation of Directive 2001/18/EC on the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Organisms into the Environment: second consultation on new regulations for England 31 May 2002 26 August 2002 
			 Consultation on Water Grid PPP: Removal of Restrictions on British Waterways' Statutory Powers 15 May 2002 16 August 2002 
			 Statistical methodology review of the monitoring sites used in the air quality headline indicator 15 May 2002 8 August 2002 
			 Consultation on The Government's Strategy for Combined Heat and Power to 2010 15 May 2002 7 August 2002 
			 Policy Review of Woodland Creation in England under the Woodland Grant Scheme and the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme 13 May 2002 7 August 2002 
			 LAPC Consultation on Risk-Based Regulation and Inspection Frequency 3 May 2002 2 August 2002 
			
			 Consultation on Stage II Petrol Vapour Recovery 16 April 2002 9 July 2002 
			 Review of seed certification in England: draft seeds regulations and registration, licensing and enforcement regulation 12 April 2002 8 July 2002 
			 Consultation on draft code of recommendations for the welfare of cattle 26 March 2002 28 June 2002 
			 Economic evaluation of the Apple and Pear Research Council 5 April 2002 27 June 2002 
			 Consultation on UK Ratification of the 1998 Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Heavy Metals 20 March 2002 11 June 2002 
			 Consultation on proposed Agricultural Development Scheme 10 April 2002 31 May 2002 
			 Consultation on Public Rights of Way: Rules for procedures for Inquiries and Hearings held under The Highways Act 1980, Wildlife And Countryside Act 1981 and Town and Country Planning Act 1990 1 March 2002 31 May 2002 
			 Consultation on proposals for amendment to the Potato Industry Development Council Order 1997 (as amended) 6 March 2002 29 May 2002 
			 Review of agri-environmental schemes in England 26 March 2002 27 May 2002 
			 Consultation on Food And Environment Protection Act 1985 (Part II): Charges for Licences to Deposit Materials At Sea and Approval Of Oil Spill Treatment Products 28 March 2002 25 May 2002 
			 Consultation on proposals for an EU Directive on environmental liability 12 April 2002 24 May 2002 
			 Consultation on flood and coastal defence funding review 13 February 2002 17 May 2002 
			 Consultation on Fees for Seed Certification 2002/03 11 March 2002 13 May 2002 
			 Consultation on Fees for National Listing and Plant Breeders' Rights 11 March 2002 13 May 2002 
			 Consultation on the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (England) Regulations 2002 8 February 2002 11 March 2002 
			 Consultation on developing a draft strategy for antimicrobial resistance in animals (VMD consultation) 13 February 2002 7 May 2002 
			 Consultation on detailed rules for determining the mesh size of fishing nets 2 April 2002 6 May 2002 
			 Consultation on an Animal Welfare Bill 2 January 2002 30 April 2002 
			 Consultation on the environmental impact of growing sugar beet 28 January 2002 24 April 2002 
			 Consultation on the Environment Agency's Objectives and Contribution to Sustainable Development 25 January 2002 18 April 2002 
			 Consultation on proposals for Regulations on Dedication of Access Land under Section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 21 January 2002 15 April 2002 
			 National Forest Company Quinquennial Review 29 January 2002 20 April 2002 
			 Consultation on changes to the EU sheepmeat regime 29 January 2002 15 March 2002 
			 Consultation on Better Quality Service review of the Egg Marketing Inspectorate 29 January 2002 28 February 2002 
			 Consultation on proposals for Regulations on Dedication of Access Land under Section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 21 January 2002 15 April 2002 
			 Consultation on implementation of powers in Animal Health Bill 11 January 2002 15 March 2002 
			 Consultation on conservation of native freshwater fish stocks—amendments to the Prohibition of Keeping or Release of Live Fish (Specified Species) Order 1998 4 January 2002 1 April 2002 
			 Consultation on quinquennial review and better quality services review of the UK Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS) 21 December 2001 31 March 20002 
			 Consultation on draft guidance to Local Highway Authorities on the preparation of Rights of Way Improvement Plans 21 December 2001 28 March 2002 
			 Consultation on quinquennial review of Horticulture Research International (HRI) 21 December 2001 22 March 2002 
			 Consultation on proposals for regulations on the exclusion or restriction of access to open countryside and registered common land under the Countryside And Rights of Way Act 2000 21 December 2001 22 March 2002 
			 Consultation outlining two options for reducing nitrate pollution of waters from agriculture in England 20 December 2001 15 March 2002 
			 Consultation on proposed national ambient noise strategy for England 20 December 2001 15 March 2002 
			 Amendments to 'The Welfare Of Animals (Slaughter Or Killing) Regulations 1995' (Wask) 11 December 2001 5 March 2002 
			 Consultation on Distribution of the £140 Million Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund 21 November 2001 21 January 2002 
			 Consultation on Proposals for Regulations on Provisional and Conclusive Maps under Section 11 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 19 November 2001 8 February 2002 
			 Consultation on changes in the Protected Zone for Rhizomania 15 November 2001 14 January 2002 
			 Quality town and parish councils—consultation 7 November 2001 31 January 2002 
			 Consultation on review of Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 31 October 2001 31 January 2002 
			 Consultation on guidance to draft codes of practice to minimise noise 26 October 2001 31 January 2002 
			 Consultation on changes to the BSE Offspring Slaughter Regulations 25 October 2001 22 November 2001 
			 Consultation on amendment to the BSE Monitoring (England) Regulations 2001 22 October 2001 14 November 2001 
			 Pollution Prevention & Control (England And Wales) Regulations 2000: Consultation on a Deferral of the Relevant Period for Applications of certain A2 and B Installations 19 October 2001 19 December 2001 
			 Consultation on extending the National Scrapie Plan and issues relating to scrapie reporting 9 October 2001 1 November 2001 
			 Consultation on implementation of Council Directive 1999/22/EC on the keeping of wild animals in zoos 5 October 2001 23 November 2001 
			 Milk Quotas: Consultation on new consolidated Dairy Produce Quotas Regulations 5 October 2001 10 December 2001 
			 Consultation European Commission proposals on measures for the control and prevention of zoonoses 5 October 2001 5 January 2002 
			 Consultation on a contingency plan for the possibility of BSE in Sheep 28 September 2001 21 December 2001 
			 Code of Practice on the Welfare of Red Meat Animals at Slaughter 14 September 2001 7 December 2001 
			 Consultation on managing radioactive waste safely 12 September 2001 12 March 2002 
			 Consultation on flood and coastal defence managed realignment: land purchase, compensation and payment for alternative beneficial land use 24 September 2001 31 December 2001 
			 Consultation on guidance on the role of flood and coastal defence in nature conservation in England 24 September 2001 31 December 2001 
			 Consultation on Radioactive Substances: Proposed Natural Gas Exemption Order 19 September 2001 19 December 2001 
			 Air Quality Strategy: Particles, Benzene, Carbon Monoxide and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons 17 September 2001 12 December 2001 
			 Consultation on DEFRA voluntary Code of Practice for the prevention and control of salmonella in broiler flocks on farm 3 September 2001 3 December 2001 
			 Second consultation on Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Scheme Prioritisation System 24 September 2001 26 November 2001 
			 Consultation on recovery and recycling targets for packaging waste in 2002 20 September 2001 7 November 2001 
			 Consultation on UK implementation of Regulation (EC) 1093–2001, controlling third country imports of hemp 7 September 2001 3 December 2001 
			 Review of Seed Certification in England: draft Cereal Seed Regulations 12 September 2001 5 December 2001 
			 Second Consultation on Implementing the Uncultivated Land and Semi-Natural Areas Provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 4 September 2001 31 October 2001 
			 Energy Efficiency Commitment—2002–2005: Consultation Proposals 17 August 2001 12 October 2001 
			 Consultation on National Park Authorities and Broads Authority review 8 August 2001 2 November 2001 
			 Consultation on waste management controls: proposed amendment to the duty of care 10 August 2001 26 October 2001 
			 Consultation on implementation of Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste (second consultation paper) 8 August 2001 26 October 2001 
			 Consultation on proposed EC Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings 9 August 2001 26 October 2001 
			
			 Consultation on draft Regulations on vehicular access over common land, under Section 68 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 8 August 2001 1 October 2001 
			 Consultation on DEFRA Aim and Objectives August 2001 28 September 2001 
			 Consultation on Implementation of Directive 2001/18/EC on deliberate release of genetically modified organisms into the environment 27 July 2001 26 October 2001 
			 Consultation on proposed changes to the Plant Health Directive 2000/29/EC 31 July 2001 26 October 2001 
			 Proposals for regulations on Local Access Forums under sections 94 & 95 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 31 July 2001 23 October 2001 
			 Consultation on draft Groundwater Protection Code for Fuel Dispensing Facilities Involving Underground Storage Tanks 10 July 2001 19 October 2001 
			 Consultation on the Veterinary Surgeon's Act 1966 Equine Dentistry Exemption Order 23 July 2001 12 October 2001 
			 Consultation on Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Appeals Regulations 13 July 2001 23 August 2001 
			 Technical Amendments to the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 28 June 2001 23 August 2001 
			 Consultation on the proposed reform of the EU sheepmeat regime 5 June 2001 20 July 2001 
			 Consultation on scallop technical conservation 26 April 2001 20 July 2001 
			 Consultation on the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 Artificial Insemination of Marea Exemption Order 27 April 2001 20 July 2001 
			 Consultation on MAFF's Welsh Language Scheme 19 March 2001 25 May 2001 
			 Consultation on new surveillance and testing measures over TB in cattle 16 February 2001 17 May 2001 
			 Quinquennial review of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew 16 January 2001 9 April 2001 
			 Consultation on External Waters licences for Redfish at Iceland January 2001 16 March 2001 
			 Consultation on a Statutory Instrument controlling Waste Waters from Rendering Plants 8 January 2001 5 March 2001 
		
	
	Further information on all of the consultations shown in the table can be obtained from the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk)

Landfill

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with (a) the European Commission, (b) the Environment Agency, (c) local authorities, (d) industry and (e) others on building developments on former landfill sites; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	I have had no such recent discussions on the subject of building on former landfill sites but officials are in regular contact with these organisations.
	The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions published planning guidance that included building on former landfill sites in Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 14 "Development on unstable land" Annex 2 "Subsidence and planning" and in the Consultation document on draft planning technical advice on land affected by contamination in February 2002.
	In addition, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently revising Part C "Site preparation and resistance to moisture" of the Building Regulations 2000, which includes the precautions to be taken to avoid danger to health and safety caused by substances found on or in the ground to be covered by the building.

Public Finance Initiative

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) guidance (i) has been given and (ii) is planned from her Department to local authorities and (b) legislation (1) is in place and (2) is planned regarding the environmental implications of developments through the Public Finance Initiative; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	Local government PFI projects seeking central government support are required to indicate how they promote sustainable development, by demonstrating an integrated approach to the social, environmental and economic well-being of the area served, now and for future generations. They should also reflect the objectives of any Local Agenda 21 strategy for the area. Advice on enhancing environmental benefits is available in the context of design quality in the OGC guidance "How to achieve Design Quality in PFI Projects" and the 4ps "Achieving Quality in Local Authority PFI Building Projects" and authorities are expected to take account of this. This department plans to issue guidance on 'Green Public Private Partnerships' shortly. No legislation specifically concerning PFI is in place or planned.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

National Association of Citizen's Advice Bureaux

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the recent quinquennial review of the National Association of Citizen's Advice Bureaux.

Melanie Johnson: The review, which started in January 2002, was recently completed and the subsequent report produced by our consultants was extremely positive about both NACAB and the CAB Service. The report concluded that NACAB is an organisation that represents significant value for money, has made real improvements in its governance and organisation since the last review and is making a very useful contribution in terms of the modernisation and e-Government agendas.
	The review demonstrates that, in all areas, both NACAB and the CAB Service make a significant and positive contribution, to individuals and Government at both a local and national level, are performing well and the report gives some useful examples of this.
	I am arranging for a comprehensive summary of the report, its findings and recommendations to be made available on the DTI website. Copies of the full report will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Radioactive Metals (Civil Stocks)

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish figures for the United Kingdom's stocks of civil plutonium and uranium as at 31 December 2001.

Nigel Griffiths: I have today placed in the Libraries of the House figures for the United Kingdom's national holdings of civil plutonium and uranium as at 31 December 2001. In accordance with our commitment under the "Guidelines for the Management of Plutonium", I have today also sent the figures to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who will be circulating them to member states in due course.

Science, Engineering and Technology

Albert Owen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her plans are for the future of science, engineering and technology in the United Kingdom.

Patricia Hewitt: The Government is today publishing "Investing in Innovation: a strategy for science, engineering and technology". This document sets out the Government's strategy for science, underpinned by the substantial new investment in science announced on 15 July by my right hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown).
	It sets out what the Government proposes to do, in partnership with other stakeholders, to ensure the long-term sustainability of our university research base. It provides details of how the Government intends to implement the recommendations of the Roberts Review. It makes clear the Government's commitment to continuing to expand our research base by strengthening existing research programmes through the Research Councils and allowing for research into exciting and promising new areas of science.
	The document shows how Government will further encourage collaboration between universities and the business sector through increased investment in knowledge transfer activities, and in particular, through an expansion of the Higher Education Innovation Fund. It also sets out how the DTI will increase the diffusion of advances in science and technology in the economy.
	Finally, it shows what steps the Government will take to improve the quality of the science done by Government Departments, and commissioned from others.
	Copies of the document have been placed in the Libraries of the House and may be viewed at http:// www.ost.gov.uk/whatsnew.htm.

Nuclear Energy

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations her Department has received regarding the economic competitiveness of nuclear energy.

Brian Wilson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to his question on 17 July 2002, Official Report, column 346W.

Energy Policy

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures her Department will implement to solicit public involvement in the development of energy policy; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: The Government launched a consultation on energy policy on 14 May with a view to publishing a White Paper around the turn of the year. The consultation paper has been sent to a wide range of stakeholders and is also available on the Department's website. A series of conferences and seminars associated with the consultation paper are being conducted.
	In addition, we are undertaking an innovative programme of events to engage members of the general public, including a stand at the Tomorrow's World Live Roadshows where the public can feed in their views on energy policy via a questionnaire which is also on the Department's website. We are also using focus groups and interactive workshops as a way to explore public views and understanding in more depth.

Renewable Energy

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her Department's methods are for assessing price imbalance exposure of (a) CHP and (b) renewable energy generators.

Brian Wilson: The DTI does not make formal or detailed assessments of CHP and renewable generators' exposure to the imbalance prices that exist as part of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements (NETA). This is a commercial matter for generators.
	On 4 April 2002 the Government published its response to the consultation on NETA and smaller generators of 1 November 2001 http://www2.dti.gov.uk/ energy/domesticmarkets/electricitytrading/netaresp.pdf. This identified the following actions that would be taken:
	(i) work with OFGEM to look at whether so-called "embedded benefits" could or should be made directly available to smaller generators;
	(ii) address some of the administrative burdens faced by smaller generators;
	(iii) ask OFGEM to ensure that imbalance prices are genuinely cost-reflective; and
	(iv) allow all generators to notify their predicted output closer to "real time".
	The Government continues to monitor the situation closely.

Sub-post Offices

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices were closed due to a lack of suitable sub postmasters at the latest available date.

Stephen Timms: Sub-postmaster vacancies are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. and I have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Sub-post Offices

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate her Department has made of the number of sub-post offices that are expected to close in the next year in (a) the UK and (b) Scotland.

Stephen Timms: The programme to restructure the urban post office network has not yet started and I am advised by Post Office Ltd. that, until it does, there are no specific plans for post office closures in the UK or in Scotland. When the programme starts it will be taken forward in consultation with individual sub-postmasters, the community, local stakeholders and Postwatch. Under the Code of Practice, Post Office Ltd. is required to consult Postwatch on individual changes and is briefing it on the process envisaged for reaching decisions.
	The objective of the urban network restructuring programme is to provide modernised and improved facilities which meet customers' needs and expectations and are in the right location for the local community.

Sub-post Offices

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she had made of the effect of the closure of sub-post offices on the provision of universal banking in (a) the UK and (b) Scotland.

Stephen Timms: The Performance and Innovation Unit recommended a programme of modernisation and restructuring designed to ensure that urban sub-post offices can operate as viable businesses for their owners and offer improved services from the right locations to serve their communities. The programme to restructure the urban post office network will be taken forward in consultation with individual sub-postmasters.
	In some urban areas, there are too many post offices in very close proximity to each other for them all to be viable, regardless of the provision of universal banking services at the Post Office, Universal Banking Services are due to be introduced in 2003 when migration of benefit payments to automated credit transfer (ACT) is scheduled to begin.
	The Government are committed to ensuring that on migration to ACT, those people who wish to do so will be able to continue to get their benefits in cash at post offices, in full without charge.

Information Campaigns

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much her Department spent on information literature, advertising and campaign material in financial year 2001–02; if she will list the campaigns that spent over £250,000; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 22 July 2002
	The cost of external publications as notified to my Department's Publications Unit and advertising expenditure through COI in 2001–02 was £4,553,677 and £6,630,590 respectively. Expenditure on campaign material is not held centrally.
	The following advertising campaigns cost more than £250,000 in 2001–02:
	
		
			   £ 
		
		
			 UK Online for Business 2,509,823 
			 Business Link Awareness 2,450,781 
			 Quality Mark Scheme 908,179 
			 National Minimum Wage 324,906 
			 Home Safety 299,558

Diesel Directive

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effects on UK diesel engine marinising companies and on UK agents for EU manufacturers of recreational craft engines of (a) the proposed EU Directive Com (2000) 639 and (b) an amendment exempting producers of less than 5000 engines per annum from compliance for five years after the directive comes into effect.

Alan Johnson: holding answer 19 July 2002
	A Regulatory Impact Assessment submitted to the European Scrutiny Committee on 5 July 2001 provided an assessment of the effect of COM (2000)639 on affected parties including engine marinisers. No specific assessment has been made in respect of UK agents for EU manufacturers of recreational craft. Also no assessment has been made of the effect such an amendment would have on either of the two groups. COM (2000)639 has been under discussion within the Council and European Parliament for some time and the Council reached a Common Position, the text of which was published on 22 April 2002. The European Parliament made no such amendment during the first reading and it is unlikely that such an amendment would be considered at this late stage if it was not already proposed during the first reading. However, it is my understanding that a Council Working Group will meet some time in September to consider any second reading amendments. Once all these amendments have been forwarded to the Council, we will with our partners take a view on the whole package of amendments. Following that, and before the European Parliament second reading takes place, the UK Government will as usual issue briefing to UK MEPs which will make our position clear. In addition, the UK Parliamentary Scrutiny Committees will be kept informed.

Diesel Directive

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make it her policy to support an amendment exempting diesel marinisers producing less than 5000 engines per annum from compliance with Com (2000) 639 for five years after it comes into force.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 19 July 2002
	COM (2000)639 relating to exhaust gas and noise emissions from recreational craft has been under discussion within the Council and European Parliament for some time and the Council reached a Common Position, the text of which was published on 22 April 2002. The European Parliament made no such amendment during the first reading and it is unlikely that such an amendment would be considered at this late stage if it was not already proposed during the first reading. However, it is my understanding that a Council Working Group will meet some time in September to consider any second reading amendments. Once all these amendments have been forwarded to the Council, we will with our partners take a view on the whole package of amendments. Following that, and before the European Parliament second reading takes place, the UK Government will as usual issue briefing to UK MEPs which will make our position clear. In addition, the UK Parliamentary Scrutiny Committees will be kept informed.

Air and Noise Pollution

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effects of Com (2000) 639 on air and noise pollution.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 19 July 2002
	No specific assessment has been made. COM (2000) 639 indicated that there would be a slight decrease in overall pollution as a result of implementation. However, this measure is proposed under Article 95 of the Treaty and is mainly concerned with the reduction of technical barriers to trade within the EU. It was on this basis that the UK supported the proposal while noting that in the long term there was likely to be some improvement in air quality and reduction in noise levels.

Developing Countries

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to encourage developing countries (a) to conduct an impact assessment before deciding whether to liberalise service sectors and (b) to consult civil society and carry out an assessment before the March 2003 deadline for offers.

Patricia Hewitt: The United Kingdom is fully committed to helping developing countries to carry out impact assessments on the liberalisation requests they are receiving. The Department for International Development is providing funding to both the World bank and UNCTAD to support projects aimed at helping to build the capacity of developing countries to carry out such assessments and to participate effectively in the GATS negotiations. We are also working with the key international agencies to make the most appropriate and effective use of the funding that has been made available to help with the assessment question.

Developing Countries

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 8 July 2002, Official Report, column 672W, what evidence she draws on to suggest that liberalisation of business, financial, telecommunications and transport services are most likely to contribute to development in developing countries.

Patricia Hewitt: There are a number of studies on the actual or potential impact of liberalisation of services on developing countries. The World Bank's report "Global Economic Prospects and the Developing Countries 2002" gives a useful overview of the available evidence.

Post Office

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the report evaluating the results of the pilot of the Your Guide service.

Stephen Timms: The report evaluating the results of the Your Guide service has been published today. Copies are now available in the Libraries of the House.

Manufacturing (Productivity and Competitiveness)

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when her Department will respond to the Trade and Industry Select Committee inquiry into the productivity and competiveness of manufacturing.

Patricia Hewitt: I am delighted to report that my Department is today publishing a Command Paper in response to the report by the Trade and Industry Select Committee's report into the productivity and competitiveness of UK manufacturing.
	I warmly welcome the Committee's report, which has made a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of UK manufacturing. There is much in the Committee's excellent analysis with which the Government agrees, not least the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy.
	Manufacturing matters hugely. It produces a fifth of our national income, directly employs almost four million people and millions more in dependent businesses; and it supports many good jobs in some of the poorer regions of Britain. Manufacturing accounts for 60 per cent. of our exports and 80 per cent. of commercial research and development, so it is a driver of innovation and technology uptake. It is a key to future prosperity, our economy and the society in which we live.
	There are great opportunities for British manufacturers. The UK has real strengths to build on. We have many world-class companies. We have a stable macro-economic environment, a first class science base and membership of the EU giving access to the world's largest single market. But we recognise that we also have significant weaknesses; lower levels of skills, investment, R&D and innovation. Companies that rely mainly on labour intensive products and processes will find it ever more difficult to compete unless they evolve to meet the challenges. Companies must increase the value they add through innovative management, products and processes to succeed in the longer term.
	In particular, if UK manufacturers could match the productivity performance of France, Germany and the US, all else remaining equal, we would be £70 billion better off. Returns on investments would be higher, jobs better paid and companies more competitive. That is why the Department of Trade and Industry has put manufacturing at the heart of its agenda—a fact reflected in the Command Paper—and we have set challenging targets on productivity and are taking significant action across a wide front to deliver on them in the longer term.
	I welcome the Committee's call to give a greater focus across the DTI on the importance of the manufacturing industry and its needs, and to work with other Government departments in pushing forward the manufacturing agenda. Much progress has been made since the Committee began its inquiry and published its conclusions. A significant amount of what Government—and particularly DTI—does, supports manufacturing and has done for many years. But I have also instigated a step change by increasing both departmental and ministerial resources focused on manufacturing. The role of the Minister of State for Employment Relations, Industry and the Regions has been strengthened—effectively creating a Minister with responsibility for manufacturing. The Department also has a strengthened structure with a new Manufacturing Policy Team and a new Director General for Innovation, when appointed, will play an important role as Chief Adviser on Manufacturing, reinforcing the importance of innovation as a key driver of manufacturing productivity. These changes are already meeting the Committee's recommendation that DTI should have a stronger and more strategic focus, commensurate with the importance of manufacturing.
	The Government also published, on 16 May, its Manufacturing Strategy; the first comprehensive and cohesive framework for manufacturing set out by any UK Government for over 30 years.
	A key role highlighted in the strategy will be to ensure that DTI champions more effectively the importance and needs of manufacturing and provides a vigorous lead on manufacturing issues. We are working to strengthen communication and co-operation between Whitehall departments and the regions to help UK manufacturers build on the opportunities of renewed world growth. Much progress is already being made here: at Ministerial level, a close working partnership with DTI, DfES, Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Treasury has already been established on training and skills issues. This is already yielding benefits, including a better skills policy balance between the supply side—what schools and colleges provide—and the demand side—what employers need from their work forces. We have also seen a joined-up UK approach to strengthening demand side leadership by employers through the creation of new Sector Skills Councils and better co-ordination of regional delivery through initiatives such as the DTI Manufacturing Advisory Service already being delivered in most regions by their designated regional centres for manufacturing excellence (RCMEs).
	I am confident that, as outlined in the Command Paper, the combination of a clear and coherent manufacturing strategy with enhanced and better focused Departmental resources in DTI provides a fresh basis for a stronger, better co-ordinated approach and more effective action to contribute to a successful UK manufacturing sector.

Employment Businesses Regulations

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will finalise the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations.

Alan Johnson: I have today published a consultation document on certain aspects of the draft regulations. After the end of the consultation period on 1 November 2002, I intend to lay the draft regulations, subject to any final amendments, with a view to bringing them into force in the first half of 2003. Copies of the consultation document have been sent to those who responded to the previous consultation and I have also placed copies of the document in the Libraries of the House and on the DTI website.
	The Government's response to the recent fixed-term public consultation on the draft Fixed-term Employees' (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 was also published today. We intend the fixed-term regulations to come into force on 1 October 2002.

Broadband

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements she intends to make for the licensing of broadband fixed wireless access at 3.4 GHz.

Stephen Timms: Following extensive consultation with interested parties, I intend to award licences by auction later this year for the provision of public fixed wireless access at 3.4 GHz. There will be seven metropolitan and seven provincial licences for England, Scotland and Wales and a single licence for Northern Ireland. Each licence will have a forward and return channel both of 20 MHz. There will be no roll-out obligations included in the licences and the proposed service restrictions have been removed. Licences will be for a term of up to 15 years.
	Regulations providing for the running of the auction have been made and will be laid before the House this week. I will issue a notice under the regulations that will set out the procedures to be followed during the auction. Once the regulations have come into force, I expect to invite applications for licences in September so that the auction may begin by early October.

Coal Authority

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Coal Authority's report and accounts for 2001–02 will be laid before Parliament.

Brian Wilson: I have today laid a copy before each House of Parliament.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether consultation documents published by her Department in 2001 carried the consultation criteria as recommended in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations.

Patricia Hewitt: Consultation documents published by the Department are required to comply with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations. Internal DTI guidance also enforces the compliance requirements in the code.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints her Department has received about its 2001 consultations in electronic or printed form.

Patricia Hewitt: The Department received 11 complaints in 2001 regarding its compliance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations.
	Other complaints regarding consultation exercises are not held centrally.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how long her Department allowed for consultation on each consultation document it published in 2001 in (a) electronic and (b) printed form.

Patricia Hewitt: Criterion 5 of the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation requires that 12 weeks should be the standard minimum period for a consultation. If the period is less than 12 weeks, the document should state Ministers' reasons for departing from the code, and what special measures—for example advance notice of at least the broad issues covered—have been taken to ensure that consultation is nevertheless as effective as possible.
	The Department is committed to the code and makes every effort possible to ensure that its consultation exercises comply with criterion 5. Data on the Department's performance in complying with the code is currently being compiled. I will write to the hon. Member with the requested information as soon as possible and place a copy in the Library of the House.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  what assessment her Department has made of the time horizons for the likely impact of hydrogen fuel cell technology on road vehicles;
	(2)  what contracts her Department has awarded to (a) TNO (Netherlands), (b) IAV (Germany), (c) AVL (Austria), (d) FEV (Germany) and (e) IKA (Germany);
	(3)  what funding her Department is providing for development of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Brian Wilson: In support of the objective to promote productivity and competitiveness, the DTI part funds collaborative R&D in the Foresight Vehicle programme to help accelerate the transfer of technology from the science base and promote its subsequent exploitation by industry. Foresight Vehicle is open to all UK-based companies and universities to submit proposals which if successful may receive grant funding. The programme does not commission research and therefore does not invite tenders from any company either in the UK or elsewhere in Europe. No DTI contracts have been awarded to TNO, IAV, AVL, FEV or IKA. Foresight Vehicle, as the national automotive R&D programme, issues calls for proposals based on rigorous technology road mapping conducted in partnership with industry. The latest technology road map, which has a 20 year time horizon, is in preparation and takes account of various options for powering future vehicles, including hydrogen fuel cells. The road map, which we hope to publish in the autumn, identifies enabling technologies and stages in the development of hydrogen fuel cells that are seen as prerequisites for the successful introduction of fuel cell road vehicles. The DTI is also a partner in the "Powering Future Vehicles" strategy and I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.
	The Department of Trade and Industry has been supporting work on fuel cells and hydrogen under the DTI Advanced Fuel Cells Programme since 1992. The total DTI spend is £12.2 million, and the current expenditure approximately £2 million pa. The programme supports work related to both stationary power generation and transport applications for fuel cells. It is estimated that approximately £6 million of the expenditure to date has been on transport-related fuel cell work.
	The Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) also supports fundamental research in universities on topics that relate to fuel cell/hydrogen research. Funding in these areas amounts to £15.7 million in the period 1992–93 to 2002–03.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the EU Accounting Directives Contact Committee is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: The EU Accounting Directives Contact Committee is next due to meet on 10 and 11 October 2002. Company accounting is not a devolved issue and therefore members of the Scottish Executive are not members of the Committee.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the EU Advisory Committee on opening up public contracts is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: The Advisory Committee on opening up public contracts is next due to meet on 8 November 2002. The Committee is composed of independent experts appointed by the European Commission after consultation with business and industry. There are no Government officials on the Committee.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of directives on the removal of technical barriers to trade in the sector of electromedical equipment used in human or veterinary medicine is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: I have been asked to reply.
	I am not aware that the Committee has ever met, or of any plans for it to meet.

Solar Power

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  what plans she has to expand her Department's support of photo-voltaic solar power;
	(2)  if her Department will continue to provide support for the installation of photo-voltaic solar panels in the UK.

Brian Wilson: The Government's aim is to work with industry and others to achieve a UK solar photovoltaic demonstration programme in line with those of our major competitors.
	I announced the first phase of this major Photovoltaics Demonstration Programme (PV MDP) on 26 March. The £20 million made available under the first phase is expected to increase tenfold the number of domestic PV installations in the UK by 2005.
	Decisions on the next phase will be taken in the light of experience gained with the first phase.

Town Planners

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many registered (a) town planners and (b) landscape designers work in each Regional Development Agency.

Alan Johnson: There are 34 registered town planners working in the Regional Development Agencies at present. This figure is broken down as follows.
	
		
			 Regional development agency Number of town planners 
		
		
			 Advantage West Midlands 12 
			 East of England Development Agency 3 
			 East Midlands Development Agency 5 
			 North West Development Agency 3 
			 One NorthEast 0 
			 South East of England Development Agency 5 
			 South West of England Development Agency 5 
			 Yorkshire Forward 1 
		
	
	There are no landscape designers working in the agencies.

Universal Bank

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the timescale for the development of the universal bank; and whether it will be fully operational by 2003.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 18 July 2002
	Detailed work is being carried out on implementing universal banking services for delivery in advance of the migration of benefit payment to automated credit transfer from April 2003.

Ex-miners (Compensation Claims)

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims by (a) ex-miners and (b) widows of families of ex-miners suffering from vibration white finger, chronic bronchitis and emphysema have been processed; and how many still await to be processed, broken down by nation and region of the UK.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 16 July 2002
	The figures are as follows. They are constantly changing due to the fact that claims continue to be received at the rate of 800 per week for vibration white finger (VWF) and respiratory disease respectively. Claims received very recently are therefore included in the total of "outstanding claims".
	
		Full and final settlements and outstanding claims by region as at 11 July 2002 for VWF
		
			   VWF outstanding claims  
			  Live Widows/families Total 
		
		
			 Wales 10,312 962 11,274 
			 Scotland 5,377 195 5,572 
			 Nottinghamshire 5,966 1,026 6,992 
			 Yorkshire 35,895 2,444 38,339 
			 North East 28,817 906 29,723 
			 North West 2,564 73 2,637 
			 Midlands 5,836 192 6,028 
			 South 2,367 84 2,451 
			 Other 321 59 380 
		
	
	
		
			   VWF full and final settlements (including denied/withdrawn)  
			  Live Widows/families Total 
		
		
			 Wales 6,771 219 6,990 
			 Scotland 3,015 138 3,153 
			 Nottinghamshire 4,267 91 4,358 
			 Yorkshire 12,384 364 12,748 
			 North East 10,790 449 11,239 
			 North West 1,714 48 1,762 
			 Midlands 2,014 38 2,052 
			 South 1,163 9 1,172 
			 Other 117 22 139 
		
	
	In addition there are over 10,000 VWF general damages offers with solicitors for consideration.
	The Department's claims handlers are unable to provide the breakdown of outstanding offers for VWF by region in the time given.
	
		Full and final settlements and outstanding claims by region for respiratory disease as at 11 July 2002
		
			   COPD outstanding claims  
			  Alive Widows/families Total 
		
		
			 Wales 15,165 15,231 30,396 
			 Scotland 5,862 5,645 11,507 
			 Nottinghamshire 5,906 711 6,617 
			 Yorkshire 31,626 16,817 48,443 
			 North East 20,858 28,492 49,350 
			 North West 2,881 2,200 5,081 
			 Midlands 4,475 2,134 6,609 
			 South 2,540 1,428 3,968 
			 Other 920 701 1,621 
		
	
	
		
			   COPD full and final settlements (including denied/withdrawn) as at 14 July 2002  
			  Alive Widows/families Total 
		
		
			 Wales 5,019 1,756 6,775 
			 Scotland 1,572 172 1,744 
			 Nottinghamshire 1,799 110 1,909 
			 Yorkshire 9,017 1,314 10,331 
			 North East 5,118 1,031 6,149 
			 North West 913 164 1,077 
			 Midlands 1,358 202 1,560 
			 South 890 103 993 
			 Other 10 6 16 
		
	
	In addition there are over 13,000 full and final offers with solicitors for consideration. The breakdown is:
	
		COPD outstanding offers (including denied) as at 15 July 2002
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 Wales 5,303 
			 Scotland 1,644 
			 Nottinghamshire 1,288 
			 Yorkshire 6,916 
			 North East 4,089 
			 North West 491 
			 Midlands 1,084 
			 South 741 
			 Other 1

Employment Tribunals

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the length of time it takes to convene an employment tribunal.

Alan Johnson: holding answer 22 July 2002
	Cases are dealt with on an individual basis by the judiciary of the Employment Tribunals and it is not possible to state how long a case will wait before being heard. In 2001–02, 69 per cent. of single Employment Tribunal cases reached a first hearing within 26 weeks of receipt.

0870 Telephone Numbers

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on using 0870 telephone numbers for inquiries by the public to the Department and its agencies.

Patricia Hewitt: pursuant to my reply, 11 July 2002, c. 1092W
	I can now provide the individual Chief Executive replies.
	Letter from Julia Fraser to Mr. John Randall, dated July 2002
	Radiocommunications Agency does not use any 0870 telephone numbers for enquiries from the public to the Agency.
	We do, however, have an 0845 local-call rate telephone number, advertised as the number to call for members of the public wanting to report radio or TV interference, which connects to our main telephone enquiry point.
	Letter from Desmond Flynn to Mr. John Randall, dated July 2002
	I am Chief Executive of The Insolvency Service and have been asked by the Secretary of State to reply to your question (2001/5280) on our policy on using 0870 telephone numbers.
	The Insolvency Service is an Executive Agency of the DTI and operates from 33 nationwide locations. Each office has a local telephone number, rather than a central 0870 number, which together with an extensive catalogue of information booklets comprises our primary information-giving service.
	Additionally The Service operates a central enquiry line from London with calls charged at the national rate.
	Letter from Roger Heathcote to Mr. John Randall, dated July 2002
	You tabled a Parliamentary Question on 1 July 2002 to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry concerning the policy on using 0870 numbers for enquires by the public to the department and its agencies. I have been asked to reply in respect of the Employment Tribunals Service (ETS) which is an executive agency of the DTI.
	The ETS does not use any 0870 numbers and has no policy on their usage.
	Our public enquiry line and its companion minicom line are operated on 0845 numbers. Calls to these two lines are charged at the local rate regardless of where in the United Kingdom from the call originates.
	Letter from Dr. J. W. Llewellyn to Mr. John Randall, dated July 2002
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) to your question regarding the policy on using 0870 telephone numbers for enquiries by the public to the Department and its Agencies.
	The national Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) does not employ any 0870 numbers.
	Letter from Claire Clancy to Mr. John Randall, dated July 2002
	I am responding on behalf of Companies House Executive Agency to your Parliamentary Question on the Department of Trade and Industry's policy on the use of 0870 telephone numbers for public enquiries.
	Companies House uses an 0870 telephone number for our national public enquiry call centre. The decision to employ this type of number is consistent with the guidance set down by the Office of e-Envoy, which states that the choice of a national rate, local rate, freefone or premium rate number should be determined by individual business requirements. As a Trading fund the Agency has to cover the cost of providing services and to avoid cross subsidy. These factors led to the decision to use an 0870 number.
	Letter from Caren Fullerton to Mr. John Randall, dated July 2002
	I am replying on behalf of the Patent Office to your Parliamentary question, tabled on 1 July 2002, relating to the use of 0870 telephone numbers for enquiries by the public.
	The Patent Office does not use 0870 telephone numbers. It provides 0845 numbers to be used for enquiries by the general public, who are charged local call rates for their telephone calls. This policy, determined by the business requirements of the Patent Office, conforms with the e-Envoy-s Guidelines for UK Government Call Centres.
	Letter from Martin Wyn Griffith to Mr. John Randall, dated July 2002
	To ask the SoS what her policy is on using 0870 telephone numbers for enquiries by the public to the Department and its Agencies.
	In response to the above Parliamentary Question, please note that:
	The Small Business Service's Small Firms Finance team contracts with EC Logistics who distribute Late Payment Guidance and other publications for the SBS via an "0870" number; and
	The SBS' Business Services directorate uses an "0870" number for the following purposes:
	The "CONNECT" hotline
	a) for Business Advisors—
	to enable direct contact for Business Advisors to the CONNECT team for booking equipment/technician for shows;
	for ordering CD-ROMS, technical advice, requests for presentation and clip finding service; and
	for general advice and requests for literature.
	b) for small business customers—
	for advice on how they can access the CONNECT series via their local Business Link
	The Benchmark Index hotline
	a) for Business Advisors—
	to enable direct contact with the Benchmark Index team for technical queries;
	for advice on questionnaires;
	for advice on the make up of data sets; and
	requests for literature and other general support.
	And b) for our small business customers—
	sign-posting them to their nearest Business Link operator for access to the Benchmark Index and general help and information.
	The Small Business Service uses these 0870 numbers in accordance with DTI central guidelines.
	I hope this is helpful.

Deregulation Task Force

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how often the Deregulation Task Force has met in the last 12 months; what recommendations they have made; how many recommendations have been implemented; what savings businesses have made as a result; and if she will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: I have been asked to reply.
	The Better Regulation Task Force meets every month but August. Since July 2001, the Task Force has produced six reports, on regulatory issues concerning: Local Shops, Economic Regulators; Housing Benefit; Employment Regulations; Local delivery of Central Policy; and Higher Education. These reports together made 54 recommendations. The Government have, to date, responded to three of these reports and has rejected only one recommendation. The Task Force is an advisory body and cannot itself directly reduce costs on business.

Nuclear Industry

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will exempt the nuclear energy industry from the climate change levy.

John Healey: I have been asked to reply.
	The climate change levy is designed to encourage energy efficiency across the business and public sectors and to increase the use of sustainable forms of energy. The Government have no plans to exempt nuclear energy from the levy.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directive on the Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in Electromedical Equipment used in Human or Veterinary Medicine is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: I have been asked to reply.
	The Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directives for Removing Technical Barriers to Trade in Electromedical Equipment used in Human or Veterinary Medicine was established under Council Directive 84/539/EEC on the approximation of laws of the member states relating to Electromedical Equipment used in Human or Veterinary Medicine to give an opinion on:
	any amendments to Annex 1 of the Directive made necessary by the adaptation to technical progress of the harmonised standards by the relevant standards organisation,
	any amendments to Annex 1 which are desirable because of adaptation to technical progress where the relevant standards of the organisation has not made the corresponding amendments to the harmonised standard.
	We are not aware that the Committee has ever met.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Police Ombudsman

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to lay before each House the first annual report of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: Copies of the Police Ombudsman's first annual report, covering the period from November 2000 when the office was created to March 2002, have today been placed in the Library. It is a general report on the discharge of the Ombudsman's function during this period which is submitted to me for laying before Parliament in accordance with Section 61 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

TREASURY

Regional Funding

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 9 July 2002, Official Report, column 862W, on regional funding, if his staff are working on potential changes to the way the departmental expenditure level is allocated to the devolved regions.

Paul Boateng: No. The Government's funding policies for the devolved administrations were set out in the updated Statement of Funding Policy published by the Treasury on 15 July.

Withholding Tax

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Swiss Government about the reclaiming of the withholding tax on dividends by UK residents; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government has held no such discussions with the Swiss Government.

UK Debt Management Office

Barbara Follett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the UK Debt Management Office's annual report and accounts.

Ruth Kelly: The DMO's annual report and administrative accounts for 2001–02 are being laid before the House of Commons and published today. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Departmental Reports

Barbara Follett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the 2002 departmental reports were published.

Paul Boateng: The publication dates of the 2002 departmental reports are as follows.
	
		
			 Departmental report Date 
		
		
			 Department for International Development 24 April 
			 Department for Work and Pensions 23 May 
			 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 10 June 
			 Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 10 June 
			 HM Treasury 10 June 
			 Inland Revenue 10 June 
			 Department for Education and Skills and Office for Standards in Education 11 June 
			 Foreign and Commonwealth Office 11 June 
			 Charity Commission for England and Wales 12 June 
			 Department for Culture, Media and Sport 12 June 
			 Lord Chancellor's Departments 12 June 
			 Home Office 13 June 
			 Office for National Statistics 13 June 
			 Scotland Office 13 June 
			 Wales Office 13 June 
			 British Trade International 14 June 
			 Department of Trade and Industry 14 June 
			 Export Credits Guarantee Department 14 June 
			 Food Standards Agency 14 June 
			 Government Actuary's Department 14 June 
			 Law Officers' Departments 14 June 
			 National Savings and Investments 14 June 
			 Northern Ireland Office 14 June 
			 Her Majesty's Customs and Excise 19 June 
			 Cabinet Office 26 June 
			 Office of Fair Trading 27 June 
			
			 Ministry of Defence 9 July 
			 Department of Health 18 July

Criminal Finances

Barbara Follett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further measures he proposes to take on disclosure of beneficial ownership of companies in attacking criminal finances.

Ruth Kelly: In response to a recommendation in the report "Recovering the Proceeds of Crime", the Government are today publishing a Consultation Document on the findings of a Regulatory Impact Assessment. This assessment examines ways in which greater disclosure of beneficial ownership of companies could assist law enforcement in tackling serious organised crime and funding of terrorism. The assessment identifies a range of benefits and gauges the potential additional burdens on companies; it concludes that advantages could be derived from enhanced disclosure while imposing limited additional costs on industry. The Government wish to consider the proposals further and welcome responses to the Consultation Document from those with interests in this area.
	Publication of the assessment marks the Government's continuing determination that the UK should remain at the forefront of the international fight against organised crime and terrorist funding. At the same time, the Government wish to ensure that UK companies are not subject to disproportionate new burdens and will carefully consider the impact of potential changes in the field of company law.
	Copies of the Consultation Document and Regulatory Impact Assessment have been placed in the Library of the House.

Double Taxation Protocol

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to submit to the House the double taxation protocol that the Government recently concluded with Lithuania; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The Protocol with Lithuania was signed on 21 May 2002. The text of the Protocol with Lithuania has been published today as a schedule to a draft Order in Council and laid before the House. After signature the text was deposited in the Library of the House and made available on the Inland Revenue's website.

Double Taxation Protocol

Barbara Follett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the new double taxation convention with South Africa.

Dawn Primarolo: The double taxation convention was signed on behalf of the two governments on 4 July. The text has been deposited in the Library of the House and made available on the Inland Revenue's website. It will be scheduled to a draft Order in Council and laid for consideration by the House at the earliest convenient opportunity.

Tax Benefit Reference Manual

Barbara Follett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the next edition of the Tax Benefit Reference Manual will be published.

Dawn Primarolo: Copies of the 2002–03 edition of the Tax Benefit Reference Manual are today being deposited in the Library of the House.

Pool Re Scheme

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how negotiations are progressing with industry on changes to the Pool Re scheme to take account of changes in the terrorism insurance and reinsurance markets since 1993 and in particular since 11 September 2001.

Ruth Kelly: Today I am announcing changes to the Pool Re scheme which will enable insurers to offer terrorism insurance across a wider range of risks. The outcome is part of a package of reforms which have been agreed by a government-industry working group set up to look at changes to Pool Re needed after 11 September.
	The working group has reached agreement on the main changes to the scheme. The changes include extension of Pool Re cover from "fire and explosion" only, to an "all risks basis", to ensure that a terrorist attack involving, for example contamination, impact by aircraft, or flood damage could be covered by the scheme. This increased cover will be available in the next few weeks and will be reflected in higher premiums for the period covered. There will be an option to backdate to 1 January 2002. The existing exclusion for nuclear risks will also be removed as soon as practicable, and by 1 January 2003 at the latest.
	Other changes to the scheme include changes to the financing of Pool Re to encourage competition, and changes to make governance arrangements more transparent in the public interest. These will take effect from 1 January 2003.
	The details will need to be finalised over the coming months. Further information about these changes are published on the Treasury's website and in an explanatory statement in the House Library.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the EU Contact Committee—European economic interest grouping is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: I have been asked to reply.
	I am not aware of any plans for a meeting.
	The Committee consists of representatives of the Member States and the EU Commission. The Scottish Executive is not separately represented on the Committee.

E-commerce

Stuart Bell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Treasury is taking to introduce public-private partnerships into the e-commerce sector; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 18 July 2002
	I have been asked to reply.
	The Government has no specific policy to bring public-private partnerships into the e-commerce sector. All Departments when assessing the funding options for a project will consider the possibility of a PFI. However, the final decision will always be based upon which option offers the best value for money for the taxpayer.

TRANSPORT

Departmental Contracts

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contracts his Department has recently awarded to (a) TNO (Netherlands), (b) IAV (Germany), (c) AVL (Austria), (d) FEV (Germany) and (e) IKA (Germany).

David Jamieson: The Department has no contracts with those companies.

Cranford Agreement

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 26 November 2001, Official Report, column 616W, if he will place a copy of the Cranford Agreement in the Library; when he expects to have completed the review of it; if he will list the parties involved in the Cranford Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the status of the agreement.

David Jamieson: The arrangement normally referred to as the Cranford Agreement is believed to date from 31 July 1952. It would appear that it was an undertaking given by a senior airport official during a local public meeting of the Cranford Residents and District Amenities Association, which was attended on that occasion by the Minister of Civil Aviation ("Mr. Lenox-Boyd"). If there was a written record, it appears not to have survived. The evidence given by the former DETR to the Terminal 5 Inquiry in July 1997 includes a fuller account and history of the undertaking, and I have placed an extract from that evidence in the Library. Our aim is to complete the technical review stage this year. I will then issue a consultation paper.

Press Office

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) full time equivalents were employed by his press office and (b) secondees were placed in his press office in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: holding answer 22 July 2002
	Detailed information on the numbers of permanent press officers employed in departmental press offices during the financial years 1997–98 were provided in a memorandum dated 16 June 1998 to the select Committee on Public Administration and published in its report on The Government Information and Communication Service (HC 770) in July 1998. Copies are in the Libraries of the House.
	The number of full time equivalent press officers employed in the relevant departmental press office on 1 January for subsequent years were:
	
		Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (Central)
		
			 Year Numbers 
		
		
			 1999 34.3 
			 2000 40.8 
			 2001 38.0 
		
	
	
		Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (Central)
		
			 Year Numbers 
		
		
			 2002 27.8 
		
	
	
		Secondees to the press office during the full calendar years for which information is available were:
		
			 Year Numbers 
		
		
			 1999 0 
			 2000 1 
			 2001 5

Ministerial Speeches

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the speeches made by Ministers with responsibility for transport issues to external organisations between 1 January and 31 May.

David Jamieson: Ministers responsible for transport issues have undertaken a very wide range of speaking engagements between 1 January and 31 May 2002. A record of all speeches is not held centrally. Archived DTLR speech material can be viewed at www.dtlr.gov.uk/ about/ministers/speeches/index.htm

Departmental Reorganisation

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes there have been in the total wage expenditure budget since the departmental reorganisation in June; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: There have been no changes in the total pay budget associated with the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions' total administration resources. The division of these resources between the two new departments—the Department for Transport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister—is currently being finalised. However, no additional resources are being made available from the Exchequer as a result of the departmental reorganisation.

European and International Business

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what work is being undertaken in his Department by the division responsible for European and International Business; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 18 July 2002, Official Report, columns 455–56W.

Travel Times

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the differences between travel times road users would achieve in free-flowing conditions and the travel times they actually achieve, in average time lost per kilometre driven (a) on inter-urban trunk roads, (b) on roads in large urban areas, (c) in other urban areas, (d) in London, (e) in all other areas and (f) on all roads in each of the last three years.

David Jamieson: holding answer 19 July 2002
	We hope to publish a year 2000 baseline figure for congestion.

Transport Benchmarks

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the benchmark is for (a) accessibility, (b) punctuality, (c) reliability and (d) use of local public transport against which the PSA targets for transport contained in the 2002 Spending Review are set.

David Jamieson: holding answer 19 July 2002
	The underlying target of increasing the use of local public transport (bus and light rail) by more than 12 per cent. by 2010 will be measured against the baseline figure of 3,881 million passenger journeys by light rail and local bus services in England in 2000–01.
	We are considering the most appropriate means of measuring improvements to accessibility, punctuality and reliability in relation to this target.

Fuel Reduction Technology

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's policy is on providing collaboration funding for development of fuel reduction technology with British companies; and whether it is the policy of his Department to seek tenders for other European companies before awarding such funding.

David Jamieson: The Department's New Vehicle Technology Fund supports the development of clean and low-carbon vehicles and technologies The Fund invites proposals and provides funding towards the costs of successful projects.
	Invitations and funding are not restricted to British companies and applications currently being assessed involve a range of British, European and international collaborators.

Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of road journeys in the UK were made by vehicles powered by biodiesel and alternatively fuelled vehicles in 2001.

David Jamieson: It is not possible to provide figures in the form requested; traffic data collected by the Department for Transport (DfT) is collected according to vehicle type not propulsion type. Calculating the proportion of journeys for cars powered by alternative fuels such as biodiesel is extremely difficult as they are almost always capable of running on pure conventional fuels.
	The DfT publishes figures for the total number of vehicles registered according to propulsion type based on DVLA records. As table 1 shows, in 2001, of a total of 29,747,100 vehicles licensed in the UK, 46,700 were alternatively powered, representing 0.16 per cent. of total registrations. This figures does not include vehicles capable of being solely or partially powered by biofuels for the reason outlined earlier.
	
		Table 1. Breakdown of vehicles licensed in the UK in 2001 according to propulsion type -- Thousand
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Petrol 23,219.0 
			 Diesel 6,481.5 
			 Petrol/gas 24.0 
			 Gas/gas Bifuel/Gas-diesel 6.0 
			 Electric and hybrid electric 15.1 
			 Steam/fuel cells 1.6 
			 All 29,747.1 
		
	
	Further information is available from the DfT's traffic statistics website at: http://www.transtat.dft.gov.uk.
	But this understates the number of alternatively-fuelled vehicles because not all conversions to alternative fuelling are notified to DVLA. There are currently estimated to be over 100,000 alternatively fuelled vehicles in the UK, the vast majority of which are LPG cars.

Vehicle Inspectorate

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the future of the Traffic Area Network and the Vehicle Inspectorate.

David Jamieson: Following an internal departmental review, I intend to establish a new executive agency (name to be determined) on 1 April 2003 to bring together the work of the Traffic Area Network and the Vehicle Inspectorate. The new agency will play a key role in promoting safe, fair and environmentally responsible road haulage and bus industries. It will also provide support for Traffic Commissioners in their role of regulating the road haulage and bus industries.
	The agency will be one of four executive agencies which make up the Driver, Vehicle and Operator (DVO) group of agencies within my Department. The other agencies are the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). The creation of this new agency within the DVO group will allow a more joined up and customer-focused approach to the services provided to road transport industry, and better targeted enforcement to the benefit of road safety. Traffic Commissioners will be wholly independent of the new agency in the same way that they are independent of TAN and VI now.
	The new agency is a positive, practical demonstration of the Government's commitment to promoting road safety and delivery of modern customer services.

Hydrogen Fuel

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the time horizons for the likely impact of hydrogen fuel cell technology on road vehicles.

David Jamieson: The Government in December published and invited comment on its proposed "Powering Future Vehicles" strategy for promoting the development, introduction and take-up of new low-carbon vehicles and fuels, including hydrogen fuel cell technology. Following wide consultation, the strategy will be finalised and issued shortly. I shall send the hon. Member a copy of the document.

Hydrogen Fuel

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funding his Department is providing for development of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Construction.

Driving Licences

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his estimate is of the number of fraudulent driving licences in circulation.

David Jamieson: It is not possible to provide the estimate which the hon. Member is seeking.

Driving Licences

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the bar code on the (a) driving licence card and (b) counterpart driving licence accesses information additional to the information contained on the face of the driving licence card and the counterpart driving licence.

David Jamieson: The bar codes on these two documents are only for processing purposes. They do not allow access to any additional information.

Cycling

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will initiate a bicycle awareness campaign.

David Jamieson: The Department is currently developing a cycle safety campaign for teenagers which it intends to launch in early 2003. This is a new departmental commitment and complements existing material for younger cyclists.

Roads

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what national guidelines there are on the use of road signs alerting road users to the presence of cyclists.

David Jamieson: The primary guidance on the use of traffic signs to alert road users to the presence of cyclists is contained in Chapter 4 of the Traffic Signs Manual, "Warning Signs". Further general guidance on cycle signing is given in Local Transport Note 2–87 "Signs for Cycle Facilities". There is also a wide range of Traffic Advisory Leaflets dealing with the provision of special facilities for cyclists, including guidance on how these should be signed.

Roads

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road users in the Carmarthen, East and Dinefwr constituency had accidents in the last year for which figures are available; and what the UK average is.

David Jamieson: Information is not available for parliamentary constituencies. The table gives the number of casualties in road accidents in 2000 and the number of casualties per 100,000 population in the Carmarthenshire unitary authority and the UK.
	
		Road casualties and casualty rates per 100,000 population: 2000
		
			   Carmarthenshire UK 
		
		
			 Road casualties 856 335,003 
			 Casualty rate per 100,000 506 560 
		
	
	The casualty rate is the number of casualties per 100,000 people.

Congestion

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the loss of time per kilometre in hours for drivers and passengers on roads in (a) England and (b) Great Britain in each of the last three years as a result of congestion.

David Jamieson: holding answer 19 July 2002
	We hope to publish the year 2000 baseline for congestion in the autumn.

Road and Bridge Maintenance

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 15 July 2002, Official Report, column 668W, on road and bridge maintenance, if he will place copies of the assessment made by his Department on the condition of roads and bridges as set out by the local transport plans and annual progress reports submitted by the highways authorities last year in the Library; and what assessment he has made of the annual progress reports, submitted by the highways authorities last year, as to the progress made in road and bridge maintenance.

David Jamieson: holding answer 19 July 2002
	The individual assessments of the highway maintenance elements of the Local Transport Plans and Annual Progress Reports were rough working documents. For this reason I have not placed them in the Library. Feedback on the assessments is provided to authorities in their decision letters.
	The Annual Progress Reports (APRs) for 2001 showed that most authorities had made progress towards halting the deterioration in the condition of principal roads by 2004, and were tackling the strengthening and structural maintenance work outstanding on bridges. This is of course as a result of the increased investment in roads.

A140

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans there are for (a) bypasses, (b) road widening and (c) road schemes on the A140.

David Jamieson: The A140, from Norwich to the A14 in Suffolk, was detrunked in May 2001 and is now the responsibility of Norfolk and Suffolk county councils. The Councils are jointly developing a route management strategy for the A140, which is expected to be completed later this year. The Strategy will identify a future programme of improvements along this route. Any road improvement schemes, which are identified through this study, will be for the local authority to take forward within the context of their local transport plan.

"In Town Without My Car! Day"

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to promote and facilitate local authorities participation in the "In Town Without My Car! Day"; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: My Department established a website www.itwmc.gov.uk and appointed a national co-ordinator to give advice to local authorities and others who wish to participate in the European "In Town Without My Car!" campaign on 22 September 2002. The closing date for local authorities to register formal participation is Friday 19 July. By 18 July, 36 authorities had registered.

Drink-driving

Alice Mahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many crashes in which people were (a) killed, (b) seriously injured, (c) slightly injured and (d) not injured on roads in England and Wales were caused by a driver who was over the drink-drive limit in each of the last 10 years.

David Jamieson: Estimates of the numbers of road accidents in Great Britain which involved personal injury and where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit are given in the table. Information on the number of accidents involving drink-driving where injuries did not occur is not available.
	
		Estimates of accidents involving illegal alcohol levels: Great Britain 1991–2000
		
			   Number of accidents  
			  Fatal Serious Slight Total 
		
		
			 1991 570 2,590 8,530 11,690 
			 1992 540 2,360 7,890 10,790 
			 1993 460 1,870 7,160 9,480 
			 1994 470 2,090 7,330 9,900 
			 1995 460 2,140 7,590 10,180 
			 1996 480 2,150 8,240 10,870 
			 1997 470 2,140 8,100 10,710 
			 1998 410 1,860 7,840 10,100 
			 1999 400 1,850 8,800 11,050 
			 2000(10) 430 1,950 9,410 11,780 
		
	
	(10) Provisional

Harbours

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) fishing and (b) non-fishing harbours there are in each country and region of the UK.

David Jamieson: The Department does not keep information on the exact overall numbers of harbours in the UK. There are 74 Fishery Harbours in England and 21 in Wales, listed in Schedule 4 to the Sea Fish Industry Act 1951. Responsibility for fishery harbours in Scotland is a devolved matter and related questions should therefore be addressed to the Scottish Parliament.

Harbours

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what basis he classes harbours as (a) fishing and (b) non-fishing.

David Jamieson: Fishery Harbours in England and Wales are designated by virtue of being listed in Schedule 4 of the Sea Fish Industry Act 1951. There is no process of designating general harbours. Responsibility for harbour legislation in Scotland is a devolved matter and related questions should therefore be addressed to the Scottish Parliament.

Housing

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Deputy Prime Minister on the transport implications of the Deputy Prime Minister's oral statement on housing of 18 July.

David Jamieson: The Secretary of State and the Deputy Prime Minister have regular discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest.

Housing

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to revise (a) the 10-Year Transport Plan and (b) the SRA 10-Year Plan to accord with the Deputy Prime Minister's oral statement on housing strategy on 18 July.

David Jamieson: The Deputy Prime Minister's statement on housing strategy will be taken into account in any future review of either Plan.

Mersey Passenger Transport Authority

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the experience and qualifications in rail expertise in the Mersey Passenger Transport Authority.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 11 July 2002, Official Report, column 1114W.

Rail Freight

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guarantee he has had from the French Government that previous levels of cross channel rail freight will be resumed; and when he expects the full and reliable 100 services each way each week to be achieved.

John Spellar: After their meeting on 12 July, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and the French Interior Minister announced that they would visit in September to confirm the effectiveness of security measures taken to ensure normal service.
	A full and reliable service is one which meets demand. Immediately prior to the current disruptions the scheduled inbound service was 96 trains per week.

Rail Freight

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he has made towards rail freight targets under the 10-year plan.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority set out in its Freight Strategy last year the detailed plans for achieving the significant rail freight growth envisaged by the Government's 10-year plan for Transport. During the financial year 2001–02, the first full year of the plan, the amount of rail freight moved has grown by 9 per cent.
	We will be producing a review of the 10-year plan later in the year.

West Coast Main Line

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the Strategic Rail Authority to present its report on the upgrading of the West Coast Main Line.

David Jamieson: The SRA are currently expecting their draft strategy for the West Coast Main Line to be issued for consultation in September.

Train Operating Companies

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much revenue has been lost by train operating companies in each of the past five years as a result of (a) no staff being available to collect fares on services and (b) staff being unable to proceed along trains owing to overcrowding.

David Jamieson: None. Revenue protection is a matter for the train operating companies. It is in their commercial interest to ensure that passengers travel with valid tickets.

Rail Journey Times

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the reduction in rail journey times in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: holding answer 18 July 2002
	The Strategic Rail Authority generally considers journey time improvements at the level of specific routes or investment propositions.

Trains (Punctuality)

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what figures he has collated relating to the (a) punctuality and (b) reliability of trains as given under the former Passenger's Charter measure, in each of the last three years.

David Jamieson: holding answer 18 July 2002
	Passenger's Charter data are still published by individual TOCs but are no longer collated by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA). They have been superseded by Public Performance Measure (PPM) which, unlike the Passengers' Charter data covers all trains, on all lines, all days of the week.
	Performance data are published quarterly by the SRA in 'On Track' (copies of which are in the Libraries of the House).

Annual Rail Freight Conference

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place a copy of the speech made by the Minister for Transport on 20 June to the annual rail freight conference in the Library.

John Spellar: A copy has now been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Rail Investment Programmes

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list in real terms (a) rail investment programmes for 2002 and (b) projected plans for 2003.

David Jamieson: The prioritised programme for rail investment was set out in the SRA's Strategic Plan. Individual investment projects within programmes such as the Rail Passenger Partnership fund and the freight grant scheme are appraised on an on-going basis.

Air Services (Scotland)

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Government will publish the transportation document on the future of Scotland's air services and airports.

David Jamieson: We are today publishing the consultation document on the future of air transport in Scotland, which has been prepared jointly with the Scottish Executive.

Aviation White Paper

Virginia Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to meet the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Association to discuss the forthcoming Aviation White Paper.

David Jamieson: The Secretary of State has no plans to meet the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Association. The UAVSA will, however, be sent a copy of the Department's consultation paper on development options at airports around the UK, to which the Association may respond. If the Association has other concerns it wishes to raise then it should make representations to the relevant departmental officials.

Aviation White Paper

Virginia Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what forecast he has made of the change in the numbers of unmanned aerial vehicles over the next five years; what assessment he has made of the safety and economic benefits of unmanned aerial vehicles; and what assessment he has made of the civilian and commercial applications of unmanned aerial vehicle systems.

David Jamieson: It is difficult to forecast the change in numbers of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the next five years, but the CAA has established a framework to help ensure that any future UAV operations are integrated safely and with minimal impact on existing airspace users.
	The CAA's Directorate of Airspace Policy has published a guidance document, "Guidance for UAV Operations in UK Airspace", designed to provide consolidated information for UAV operators, both military and civil. The CAA is awaiting applications from industry to fly UAVs but to date there has been little interest.

Flight BA 2069

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who invited the Civil Aviation Authority to participate in the investigation of the incident on flight BA 2069; on what date the Civil Aviation Authority began its investigation; and what the brief was of that investigation.

David Jamieson: British Airways notified the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the incident on the day it occurred, 29 December 2000, and immediately began its own investigation. The CAA has monitored and reviewed the British Airways investigation throughout as part of its ongoing regulatory oversight of UK airlines. As a result, 12 new safety requirements were issued to all UK operators on 18 September 2001.
	The Government asked the CAA to keep it advised of the progress of its review and the completed review was sent to the then Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on 23 January 2002. An abbreviated version was placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Thameslink

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his predecessor received the report of the inspector following the public inquiry into proposals by Thameslink; and what the earliest and latest dates are which he has set for a decision.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The Inspector provided his report on the inquiry into the Thameslink 2000 scheme in January this year. He later provided two addenda reports in May and June. These reports will be published when we make an announcement on this scheme, which we expect to do shortly.

CABINET OFFICE

Government Car and Despatch Agency

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he will publish the Government Car and Despatch Agency's annual report and accounts 2001–02.

Douglas Alexander: I have today laid the GCDA annual report and accounts 2001–02 before Parliament, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

Regulatory Assessment

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the baseline measures for overall compliance with the regulatory assessment process will be published; and if he will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: The Cabinet Office is currently undertaking work to calculate a baseline measure for overall compliance with the regulatory impact assessment process. Some further work remains to be done to validate the data underlying the baseline. However, it is currently expected that the Cabinet Office will be in a position to publish the baseline measure before the end of the financial year.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Consultation

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the public consultations undertaken by her Department since 1997, indicating for each consultation (a) if copies were available online, (b) if copies were available in print, (c) the date the time period given for responses opened and (d) the date the time period given for responses closed.

Kim Howells: The Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation applies to all formal national public consultation documents issued by Departments from 1 January 2001 and the information requested is not available before that date. Since 2001, the details are as follows:
	
		
			  Title Opening date for responses Closing date for responses 
		
		
			 National Gallery/National Portrait Gallery Review: stage one consultation 8 January 2001 30 January 2001 
			 National Heritage Memorial Fund Review: stage one consultation 4 April 2001 25 May 2001 
			 Report of the Gambling Review Body 17 July 2001 31 October 2001 
			 National Museum of Science and Industry Review: stage one consultation 1 August 2001 19 October 2001 
			 Geffrye Museum/Horniman Museum/Museum of London Review: stage one consultation 8 August 2000 12 October 2001 
			 Consultation on the draft Digital Television Action Plan 12 October 2001 2 January 2001 
			 English Heritage Review: stage one consultation 16 October 2001 11 January 2002 
			 Public Lending Right. Quinquennial Performance Review: Consultation Paper 13 November 2001 1 February 2002 
			 Quinquennial Review on the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art 19 November 2001 8 February 2002 
			 National Maritime Museum Quinquennial Performance Review 22 November 2001 8 February 2002 
			 Consultation on Media Ownership Rules 26 November 2001 25 January 2002 
			 Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester: Quinquennial Performance Review 5 December 2001 28 February 2002 
			 Spectrum Planning Consultation 11 December 2001 12 April 2002 
			 Council of Europe—Convention on the Protection of Audiovisual Heritage* 20 December 2001 19 March 2002 
			 Review of Progress toward digital switchover 14 February 2002 8 May 2002 
			 Regent's Park Sports Facilities Consultations 18 March 2002 10 May 2002 
			 UK's Open General Export Licensing (OGEL) Limits 19 April 2002 14 June 2002 
			 Changes to Licensing Hours during All New Year's Eves 24 April 2002 19 June 2002 
			 The Draft Communications Bill 7 May 2002 2 August 2002 
			 Prize Competitions 23 May 2002 31 August 2002 
			 National Lottery Licensing and Regulation Consultation 27 June 2002 30 September 2002 
		
	
	Note:
	All consultations were available in print and all were available on-line except for those indicated with a *.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which consultation documents published by her Department in 2001 were not made available as paper copies.

Kim Howells: None—all consultation documents were made available as paper copies.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many complaints her Department has received about its 2001 consultations in electronic or printed form.

Kim Howells: The Department received two complaints in electronic or printed form about the consultation process of its 2001 consultations.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how long her Department allowed for consultation on each consultation document it published in 2001 in (a) electronic and (b) printed form.

Kim Howells: The following table indicates the length of time allowed for consultation on each consultation published in 2001.
	
		
			 Document name Total time allowed for consultation 
		
		
			 National Gallery/National Portrait Gallery Review: stage one consultation 3 weeks 
			 National Heritage Memorial Fund Review: stage one consultation 7 weeks and 2 days 
			 Report of the Gambling Review Body 15 weeks 
			 National Museum of Science & Industry Review: stage one consultation 11 weeks and 2 days 
			 Geffrye Museum/Horniman Museum/Museum of London Review: stage one consultation 9 weeks and 2 days 
			 Consultation on the draft Digital Television Action Plan 12 weeks 
			 English Heritage Review: stage one consultation 12 weeks 
			 Public Lending Right. Quinquennial Performance Review: Consultation Paper 11 weeks 
			 Quinquennial Review on the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art 12 weeks 
			 National Maritime Museum Quinquennial Performance Review 11 weeks and 1 day 
			 Consultation on Media Ownership Rules 9 weeks 
			 Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester Quinquennial Performance Review 12 weeks 
			 Spectrum Planning Consultation Extended to 17 weeks 
			 Council of Europe—Convention on the Protection of Audiovisual Heritage* 12 weeks and 5 days 
			 Review of Progress towards digital switchover 12 weeks 
			 Regent's Park Sports Facilities Consultation 8 weeks 
			 UK's Open General Export Licensing (OGEL) Limits 8 weeks 
			 Changes to Licensing Hours during All New Year's Eves 8 weeks 
			 The Draft Communications Bill 12 weeks 
			 Prize Competitions 14 weeks 
			 National Lottery Licensing and Regulations Consultation 13 weeks and 2 days 
		
	
	Note:
	All of these were available in both electronic and printed form, except for the one marked with an *, which was available only in printed form.

National Lottery

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimates her Department has made of the effect on the income for good causes of the rebranding and relaunch of the National Lottery.

Richard Caborn: The Department has made no separate assessment of the financial impact of this part of Camelot's marketing expenditure; and it would be difficult to make a meaningful assessment at this stage.

National Lottery

Anthony D Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements she has made to take forward the review of the National Lottery announced on 20 March.

Tessa Jowell: The review is to be in two parts, one dealing with licensing arrangements and the other looking at distribution of Lottery funding to good causes. A consultation paper on the licensing process was published on 27 June.
	I will publish a consultation document on the distribution of Lottery funding to good causes on 29 July. The document is intended to initiate a process of public consultation and I wish to encourage as many people as possible to contribute to the debate.
	I will arrange to deposit copies of the consultation document in the Libraries of both Houses.

Sporting Talent

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what she is doing to nurture future sporting talent among young people.

Richard Caborn: This Department is working in partnership with the Department for Education and Skills to improve access to and the quality of PE, school sport and club links for 5 to 16-year-olds. Gifted and talented sportspeople, specifically, will benefit from: a national support network based around specialist sports colleges; a programme of summer schools and performance camps; a much stronger emphasis on sporting talent within all parts of our national strategy for gifted and talented education; improved coaching; and stronger links between schools and sports clubs. As far as the last is concerned, we aim to increase the numbers of children and young people moving into sports specific junior clubs in seven major sports from 386,000 now to 1 million by 2006.

Public Consultations

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what public consultations have been commenced by her Department since 1 April; and what the (a) closing date and (b) website address of each were.

Kim Howells: The following table shows all public consultations commissioned by the Department since 1 April, and the (a) closing date and (b) website address of each consultation.
	
		
			 Title of public consultation Closing date Website address 
		
		
			 UK's Open General Export Licensing (OGEL) Limits 4 June 2002 www.communicationsbill.gov.uk 
			 Changes to Licensing Houses during All New Year's Eve 19 June 2002 www.culture.gov.uk 
			 The Draft Communications Bill 2 August 2002 www.culture.gov.uk 
			 Prize Competitions 31 August 2002 www.culture.gov.uk 
			 National Lottery Licensing and Regulation Consultation 30 September 2002 www.culture.gov.uk

Sport

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the Interdepartmental Group on Sport has discussed the relationship of sport and health; and what conclusions were reached.

Richard Caborn: The Interdepartmental Group on sport which includes my hon. Friend the Minister for Public Health, has discussed a wide range of issues related to sport policy, including the relationship of sport and health. It is agreed that the promotion of sport can play a valuable role in improving health across the population and we have been working closely with the Department of Health to ensure the co-ordination of sport and health policy.

Sport

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about progress achieved towards meeting the aim of significantly raising the time spent on sport and physical activity by five to 16-year-olds.

Richard Caborn: We have no data on overall progress as yet. The baseline was set by Sport England's Young People and Sport survey, last carried out in 1999. The survey will be repeated this year in June (with results available in December) and again in 2004. However, there are indicators of performance from individual programmes that suggest a positive trend overall. For example by September this year there will be 142 Specialist Sports Colleges supporting 742 SSCos and 3,576 Primary Link Teachers and 45 Sports Partnerships have been established to enable young people to participate in sport more frequently, improve their skills, and compete at various levels.

Sport England

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether she expects the number of staff positions at Sport England which have a remuneration package worth over £50,000 per annum to increase by 2005–06.

Richard Caborn: Sport England expect that the number of staff receiving remuneration packages worth over £50,000 will increase from 14 to 26 by 2005–06. This is due mainly to the regrading of the Regional Director posts and the creation of a new post of Head of Placements and Alliances under the proposed restructuring of Sport England.

Sport England

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what grant-in-aid to (a) Sport England, (b) UK Sport, (c) Sports Scotland, (d) the Sports Council for Wales and (e) the Sports Council for Northern Ireland has been in each year since 1972.

Richard Caborn: Grant-in-aid provided to Sport England and UK Sport is as follows. Funding for sport in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is a devolved matter and an issue for those administrations.
	
		£ million 
		
			 Year GBSC ESC UKSC 
		
		
			 1972–73 3.6 — — 
			 1973–74 5.0 — — 
			 1974–75 6.6 — — 
			 1975–76 8.3 — — 
			 1976–77 10.2 — — 
			 1977–78 11.5 — — 
			
			 1978–79 15.2 — — 
			 1979–80 15.6 — — 
			 1980–81 19.3 — — 
			 1981–82 21.0 — — 
			 1982–83 28.0 — — 
			 1983–84 27.1 — — 
			 1984–85 28.6 — — 
			 1985–86 30.1 — — 
			 1986–87 37.4 — — 
			 1987–88 37.2 — — 
			 1988–89 38.4 — — 
			 1989–90 41.9 — — 
			 1990–91 44.8 — — 
			 1991–92 46.7 — — 
			 1992–93 48.6 — — 
			 1993–94 50.6 — — 
			 1994–95 48.9 — — 
			 1995–96 49.3 — — 
			 1996–97 28.2 15.2 4.0 
			 1997–98 — 33.7 11.8 
			 1998–99 — (11)36.5 11.6 
			 1999–2000 — (11)37.9 12.6 
			 2000–01 — (11)38.0 12.6 
			 2001–02 — (11)43.2 17.6 
			 2002–03 — (11)53.3 19.6 
			 2003–04 — (11)78.3 19.6 
		
	
	(11) Includes funding for Sportsmatch
	Notes:
	GBSC = Great Britain Sports Council;
	ESC = English Sports Council;
	UKSC = United Kingdom Sports Council (established in September 1996 and became fully operational in January 1997)

Sport England

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to her answer of 1 July 2002, Official Report, column 123W, what assessment has been made of the impact on national governing bodies of the reduction in their Exchequer grant aid from 2000–01 to 2002–03.

Richard Caborn: The grant that it pays to national governing bodies of sport is a matter for Sport England. The total amount that Sport England has paid to national governing bodies has increased each year from 2000–01 to 2002–03.

Sport England

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to her answer of 1 July 2002, Official Report, column 123W, if she will provide a breakdown of Sport England's regional support, listing the budget heads for (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03.

Richard Caborn: The information is set out in the following table.
	
		Sport England grant-in-aid regional support -- £000
		
			  2002–03 2003–02 2004–01 
		
		
			 Activities
			 School sports co-ordinators 15,000 5,038 — 
			 Sportsmatch 3,550 3,550 3,373 
			 Active schools 1,625 1,587 1,999 
			 Active sports — 843 1,680 
			 Equity and social inclusion 801 770 959 
			 Active communities 1,098 1,169 529 
			 Positive futures 320 508 235 
			 Training 436 772 828 
			 Regional sports boards 297 247 255 
			 Places—participation 378 365 348 
			 Places—environment 553 454 525 
			
			 Other 114 44 129 
			  
			 Total 24,172 15,347 10,860

Sport England

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the value of Sport England's Exchequer grant aid is to each national governing bodies for (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03.

Richard Caborn: The information is set out in the following table.
	
		£ 
		
			 Exchequer grants to NGBs 2002–03(12) 2001–02(13) 2000–01(13) 
		
		
			 Angling—National Federation of Anglers 40,000 80,500 45,625 
			 Angling—National Federation of Sea Anglers 47,000 38,250 30,000 
			 Angling—Salmon/Trout Association 40,000 32,000 25,000 
			 Archery—Grand National Archery Society 15,000 — — 
			 Association Football—Football Association 144,000 108,000 132,000 
			 Athletics—Amateur Athletics Association 293,000 293,000 193,000 
			 Badminton—Badminton Association of England 280,000 280,000 280,000 
			 Basketball—English Basketball Association 454,000 473,334 457,500 
			 Boxing—Amateur boxing Association 95,000 98,000 49,333 
			 Canoeing—British Canoe Union 208,000 200,000 200,000 
			 Cricket—England and Wales Cricket Board 205,000 284,500 266,917 
			 Cycling—British Cycling Federation 300,000 270,000 270,000 
			 Equestrian—British Equestrian Federation 40,000 40,000 40,000 
			 Fencing—British Fencing Association 65,000 50,000 45,000 
			 Fitness—Exercise Association of England — — 28,000 
			 Golf—Golf Foundation 92,000 92,000 94,000 
			 Gymnastics—British Amateur Gymnastics Association 200,000 201,000 200,000 
			 Hockey—English Hockey Network 450,000 450,000 470,000 
			 Ice Skating—National Ice Skating Association 25,000 16,750 25,000 
			 Judo—British Judo Association 125,000 121,000 79,550 
			 Karate—English Karate Governing Body 35,000 16,250 31,250 
			 Lacrosse—English Lacrosse Association 140,000 151,250 213,750 
			 Mountaineering—British Mountaineering Association 65,000 65,000 72,000 
			 Movement and Dance—English Amateur Dancesport 8,000 8,500 8,500 
			 Movement and Dance—English Folk Song and Dance Society 17,000 17,000 17,000 
			 Movement and Dance—Health and Beauty Exercise Association 15,000 15,500 15,000 
			 Movement and Dance—Keep Fit Association 36,000 36,667 37,333 
			 Movement and Dance—Margaret Morris Movement 10,000 10,000 10,000 
			 Movement and Dance—CCPR 42,000 42,000 27,913 
			 Movement and Dance—Medau Society 20,000 20,000 20,000 
			 Netball—All England Netball Association 442,000 460,000 447,500 
			 Rowing—Amateur Rowing Association 265,000 250,000 200,000 
			 British Amateur Rugby League Association 150,000 320,000 320,000 
			 Rugby League Joint Policy Board 190,000 — — 
			 Rugby Football—Rugby Football Union 200,000 225,312 297,188 
			 Rugby Football—RFU for Women 141,000 150,000 131,666 
			 Sailing—Royal Yachting Association 135,000 130,000 100,000 
			 Shooting—English Shooting Council 6,750 24,125 7,000 
			 Skiing—English Skiing Council 40,000 30,000 50,000 
			 Squash—Squash Rackets Association 248,000 242,500 252,500 
			 Swimming—Amateur Swimming Association 340,000 340,000 330,000 
			 Table Tennis—English Table Tennis Association 435,000 435,000 450,000 
			 Triathlon—British Triathlon Association 75,000 40,000 30,000 
			 Volleyball—English Volleyball Association 208,000 208,000 208,000 
			 Water Skiing—British water Skiing Federation 35,000 35,000 35,000 
			 Weightlifting—British Amateur Weightlifting Association 40,000 40,000 40,000 
			 Wrestling—British Amateur Wrestling Association 10,000 10,000 10,000 
			 Petanque—British Petanque Association 5,000 — 3,750 
			 Caving—National Caving Association 5,000 5,000 5,000 
			 Handball—British Handball Association 7,000 7,000 7,000 
			 Orienteering—British Orienteering Federation 90,000 90,000 82,500 
			 Rounders—National Rounders Association 32,000 32,000 23,500 
			 Surfing—Surf Life Saving Association 7,000 4,612 6,787 
			 Real Tennis—Tennis and Racquets Association 11,000 12,000 12,000 
			 Tug-of-War Association 3,000 6,583 4,567 
			 Softball—British Softball Association 25,000 25,000 25,000 
			 Yoga—British Wheel of Yoga 10,000 10,000 7,084 
			 Baseball—British Baseball Federation 16,000 16,000 16,000 
			 British Roller Sports Federation 20,000 — — 
			 English Ice Hockey Association 20,000 — — 
			 Modern Pentathlon Association 5,000 — — 
			 Governing Body Development Grants 6,722,750 6,658,633 6,485,713 
		
	
	(12) Annual budget
	(13) Actual

Sport England

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list how many staff positions at Sport England have a remuneration package worth over £50,000 per annum for (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03.

Richard Caborn: The information requested is as follows:
	2000–01: 14
	2001–02: 14
	2002–03: 23.

Sport England

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what instructions Sport England has been given about senior executive salary ranges.

Richard Caborn: No instructions have been given to Sport England on the salary ranges of its senior executives.

Sport England

John Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on staffing levels in (a) Sport England headquarters and (b) its regional offices for (i) 2000–01, (ii) 2001–02 and (iii) 2002–03.

Richard Caborn: Details of staff levels are in the table.
	
		
			  Headquarters Regional offices  
			  Complement In post Complement In post 
		
		
			 2000–01 328 268 170 159 
			 2001–02 345 272 209 178 
			 2002–03(14) 182 — 291 — 
		
	
	(14) Proposed
	Sport England estimates that its restructuring will result in savings of £1.2 million a year.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSION

National Audit Office

Edward Leigh: To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission whether the Commission has considered the National Audit Office's Corporate Plan for 2003–04 to 2005–06.

Alan Williams: At its meeting on 9 July 2002 the Commission examined the Comptroller and Auditor General and officials of the National Audit Office on the NAO's Corporate Plan for 2003–04 to 2005–06. The plan envisages an increase in spending by the NAO for 2003–04 of some 10 per cent. compared with the current financial year. The additional funding is required for four main purposes: to implement the wide-ranging recommendations of the Sharman report on public expenditure audit; to maintain service to Parliament at a time of rapid public expenditure growth and more complex service delivery mechanisms; to strengthen the audit of revenue departments; and to enable the NAO to increase from 50 to 60, over time, the number of Value for Money studies it carries out annually, as proposed by the Commission and agreed with the Public Accounts Committee.
	After satisfying itself on a number of points, including the robustness of the NAO's expenditure plans and its response to comments contained in external evaluations of its Value for Money studies, the Commission approved the Corporate Plan.
	A transcript of the evidence given by the NAO to the Commission will be placed in the Library shortly. A report containing more details about the Commission's activities, including its own response to the Sharman report, together with further information provided by the NAO in response to questions from the Commission, will be published in due course.

SCOTLAND

Refurbishment

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the cost of refurbishing each ministerial private office was in each year since May 1997.

Helen Liddell: The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999.
	Ministerial offices are decorated or refurbished as part of a rolling programme, in accordance with the terms of the buildings' lease. Redecoration work was carried out during 2001–02 in ministerial offices in my Department's London building. Final costs are not yet available but are likely to be around £20,000.

New Deal

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people have been employed by her Department in each of the last three years under (a) the New Deal for Young People, (b) the New Deal for the Over 50s and (c) the New Deal for Lone Parents; and at what cost, listed by category, to public funds.

Helen Liddell: The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999.
	Since that date my Department has employed one person under the New Deal for Young People, one under the New Deal for Over 50s and two under the New Deal for Lone Parents. The only costs to my Department have been salary costs.

Staff Pay

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the cost in 2001–02 was of the pay increase to staff in her Department, agencies and the non-departmental public bodies for which she is responsible; and what the cost of the forthcoming increase will be in 2002–03.

Helen Liddell: The cost of pay increases to staff in my Department in 2001–02 was £91,000. Details of the cost of pay awards for 2002–03 are not yet available.

Correspondence

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many letters were received by each Minister in her Department in each month since June 1997.

Helen Liddell: The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999. The Cabinet Office publishes an annual report on Parliament on the volume of Members' correspondence received by Departments. The report for 2001 was published on 24 May 2002, Official Report, columns 673–76W. Copies of previous reports are available in the Library of the House.
	Records of other correspondence by my Department are not kept centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Press Releases

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many press releases were issued by her Department in each month from the creation of her Department in July 1999 to 2001 inclusive.

Helen Liddell: From July 1999 to end 2001, the following number of press releases have been issued by my Department (this does not include operational notes issued to the media):
	July 1999: 11
	August 1999: 6
	September 1999: 13
	October 1999: 16
	November 1999: 32
	December 1999: 20
	January 2000: 20
	February 2000: 20
	March 2000: 30
	April 2000: 15
	May 2000: 33
	June 2000: 34
	July 2000: 22
	August 2000: 15
	September 2000: 27
	October 2000: 30
	November 2000: 42
	December 2000: 27
	January 2001: 26
	February 2001: 25
	March 2001: 33
	April 2001: 23
	May 2001: 11
	June 2001: 12
	July 2001: 17
	August 2001: 20
	September 2001: 20
	October 2001: 20
	November 2001: 33
	December 2001: 20.

Press Releases

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many press releases have been issued by her Department in each month of 2002.

Helen Liddell: All news releases issued by the Scotland Office are published on the Department's website. The number of news releases issued in 2002 is as follows, and does not include operational notes issued to the media in connection with public engagements carried out by Ministers:
	Up to 19 July: 8
	June: 9
	May: 20
	April: 16
	March: 20
	February: 18
	January: 17.

Eurostar

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of the importance of securing a Eurostar link from Scotland to the continent.

Helen Liddell: The Government believe that all areas of the country should have good access to Channel Tunnel rail services.
	The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) have said that they plan to publish a strategy later this year on facilitating rail services through the Channel Tunnel from various parts of Great Britain.
	The SRA announced last year that a consortium led by WS Atkins Consultants has been awarded the contract to undertake a feasibility study to ascertain the need for, and viability of, a new dedicated high speed line between London and the "north".
	The study should report in the latter half of this year. The resultant report will feed into proposals for the implementation of the Government's 10-year plan and will inform an SRA strategy document regarding long-term capacity between London, the Midlands, the north of England and Scotland.
	Outcomes from this study may identify options for greater interconnection between high speed Channel Tunnel services and those from London to Scotland.

Members of Parliament (Personal Data)

Eric Forth: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information is held by her Department on each hon. Member in relation to (a) personal relationships, both current and past, (b) financial status and dealings, (c) connections with companies and interest groups, (d) connections with Governments and (e) published works; and what was held in January 2002.

Helen Liddell: Ministers and officials in this Department have access to published reference sources, as well as to the information about hon. Members made publicly available by the House authorities, for the purpose of parliamentary business.

Ministerial Visits (Wales)

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the (a) date, (b) location and (c) purpose was of visits by Ministers in her Department to Wales since 1997; and when she next intends to visit Wales.

Helen Liddell: holding answer 17 June 2002
	The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999.
	I attended a join ministerial committee in Cardiff on 30 October 2001. All travel is undertaken fully in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Ministerial Code and Travels by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.
	Neither of my Scotland Office ministerial colleagues has visited Wales in an official capacity and none of us has, at present, any immediate plans to do so.

Female Staff

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of the staff of her Department are women; and what the percentage was in June 1997.

Helen Liddell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 5 July 2002, Official Report, column 622W.

Overseas Visits

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will list the overseas trips on departmental business that have been undertaken in each of the last five years by officials in her Department; and what the (a) cost, (b) purpose and (c) result was in each case.

Helen Liddell: The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999.
	Since that date no officials have undertaken overseas trips on departmental business, other than to accompany Scotland Office Ministers.

Hewlett Packard

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) the Scottish Executive regarding the recent redundancies announced by Hewlett Packard.

Helen Liddell: I have regular discussions with Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise colleagues on a range of issues, including the recent disappointing announcement by Hewlett Packard of the loss of 450 permanent and 180 temporary jobs at its facility in Erskine.
	The Scottish Executive takes the lead in responding to local redundancies. Support will be provided to those affected through the Renfrewshire local response team (LRT) in conjunction with the Executive's PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) framework. This will ensure a rapid response from local agencies in terms of offering advice, support and guidance on the range of retraining/upskilling and employment opportunities.

Air Services

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Government will publish the transportation document on the future of Scotland's air services and airports.

Helen Liddell: I refer the hon. Member to the oral statement my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport made to the House earlier today at column 848–50.

Unemployment

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) the Scottish Executive regarding unemployment in Scotland.

Helen Liddell: I last met Scottish Enterprise on 2 July. I also have regular discussions with Scottish Executive Ministers on a wide range of issues. The latest figures show that claimant count unemployment in Scotland has fallen by 1,900 over the last year to its lowest level for 25 years. There are 2,388,000 people in work in Scotland, the highest for a generation.

Funding Policy

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations she made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer prior to publication of the third Statement on Funding Policy as it affects Scotland.

Helen Liddell: I have discussions with Treasury Ministers on a range of subjects. The Statement of Funding Policy sets out the arrangements that govern funding for the devolved administrations. These arrangements provide a fair, transparent and flexible basis for deciding spending plans in Scotland.

North Sea Tax

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations she has received from oil companies since the announcement of the North Sea tax changes.

Helen Liddell: Following the Chancellor's Budget statement, I have had contact with a number of companies involved in oil and gas operations and held a meeting with UKOOA, which represents 31 oil and gas exploration and production companies operating in the UK.

Anglo-Irish Ministerial Meetings

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when and where Ministers in her Department have held meetings with Ministers and officials of the Irish Government since 1 June 2000; which Ministers were involved in each meeting; which Irish Government departments were involved in each meeting; and which Ministers and officials from the Irish Government attended each meeting.

Helen Liddell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe, on 20 June 2002, Official Report, col. 533W.

Public Expenditure

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations she made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer with regards to public expenditure in Scotland prior to the publication of the most recent comprehensive spending review.

Helen Liddell: I have discussions with Treasury Ministers on a range of subjects. I welcome the outcome of the comprehensive spending review, which produced an excellent settlement for Scotland. Our successful management of the economy and sound public finances mean that, by 2005–06, spending will be £4.1 billion higher in Scotland than in 2002–03. This shows that Scotland continues to benefit from being part of the United Kingdom and that devolution is working for the benefit of all Scotland's people.

ADVOCATE-GENERAL

New Deal

John Bercow: To ask the Advocate-General how many people have been employed by her Department in each of the last three years under (a) the New Deal for Young People, (b) the New Deal for the Over-50s and (c) the New Deal for Lone Parents; and at what cost, listed by category, to public funds.

Lynda Clark: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland at column 981W.

Staff Pay

John Bercow: To ask the Advocate-General what the cost in 2001–02 was of the pay increase to staff in her Department, agencies and the non-departmental public bodies for which she is responsible; and what the cost of the forthcoming increase will be in 2002–03.

Lynda Clark: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland at column 981W.

Female Staff

John Bercow: To ask the Advocate-General what percentage of the staff of her Office are women; and what the percentage was in June 1997.

Lynda Clark: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 5 July 2002, Official Report, column 622W.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Consultation

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the public consultations undertaken by her Department since 1997, indicating for each consultation (a) if copies were available online, (b) if copies were available in print, (c) the date the time period given for responses opened and (d) the date the time period given for responses closed.

Estelle Morris: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which consultation documents published by her Department in 2001 were not made available as paper copies.

Estelle Morris: All consultation documents published by my Department in 2001 were made available in both paper and electronic formats.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether consultation documents published by her Department in 2001 carried the consultation criteria as recommended in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations.

Estelle Morris: My Department reproduced the consultation criteria from the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations in 25 per cent. of the consultation documents published in 2001. All on-line consultations have two available links to the Cabinet Office Code of Practice.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether her Department has a designated consultation co-ordinator in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations.

Estelle Morris: Yes, my Department does have a designated consultation co-ordinator.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many consultation documents published in 2001 in (a) electronic and (b) printed form his Department has monitored and evaluated in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations.

Estelle Morris: All 66 consultations carried out by my Department in 2001 were available electronically, in printed form and were included in the Cabinet Office monitoring and evaluation return for 2001.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many complaints her Department has received about its 2001 consultations by (a) electronic and (b) printed means.

Estelle Morris: I have not received any formal complaints about my Department's 2001 consultations. However, I have responded to feedback from respondents to improve consultations.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in what format her Department has published the results of its 2001 written consultations.

Estelle Morris: The favoured format for publication of results is electronic, via the Consultation website at www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations. Other methods have also been used including: press releases, notifying individuals and by placing results in the House of Commons Library.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how long her Department allowed for consultation on each consultation document it published in 2001 in (a) electronic and (b) printed form.

Estelle Morris: Of the 66 consultations my Department published in 2001, 36 per cent. allowed 12 weeks or more for consultation, 27 per cent. allowed 8–12 weeks and 18 per cent. under 8 weeks. All consultations were available in printed and electronic formats. In planning consultations with the public, my Department complies with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation, applying formal exemptions where appropriate. The introduction to the Code of Practice also states that
	"occasionally, being a responsive government means acting quickly, because it is clearly in the public interest to do so".

Student Funding

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much capital was made available to (a) FE and (b) HE in each of the years 1992–93 to 2001–02 as expressed at 2001–02 prices.

Margaret Hodge: The capital funding made available was as follows:
	
		£ million 
		
			  Capital funding FE(15) Capital funding HE(15) 
		
		
			 1992–93 171 281 
			 1993–94 185 389 
			 1994–95 189 387 
			 1995–96 187 409 
			 1996–97 0 0 
			 1997–98 0 0 
			 1998–99 0 0 
			 1999–2000 42 167 
			 2000–01 56 243 
			 2001–02(16) 136 381 
		
	
	(15) 2001–02 prices
	(16) Estimated
	Notes:
	1. All figures are in 2001–02 prices, are rounded to £ million and exclude student loans.
	2. All figures from 1992–93 to 2000–01 cover the separately identified capital grants made available by the Department to the Funding Councils.
	3. The division between FE and HE in 1992–93 is based on allocations made by the then Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council (PCFC) and the Universities Funding Council (UFC) respectively.
	4. The figure for HE in 1992–93 includes £9 million expenditure on Higher Education outside of the Universities Funding Council.
	5. For 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 no separate capital payments were made and the capital was funded from the Councils' allocations and not disaggregated.
	6. For 1999–2000 and 2000–01, figures cover some additional capital grants made available separately by the Department. Figures for HE in the years 1999–2000 to 2001–02 include moneys made available to higher education institutions by the Office of Science and Technology (OST) through the Joint Infrastructure Fund (JIF).
	7. The figures for 2001–02 cover total capital expenditure by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Higher Education Funding Council (HEFC) themselves which, under resource budgeting form 2001–02, counts as departmental expenditure.

Sixth Form Colleges

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much of the additional funding in the spending review will be allocated to sixth form colleges; and when she expects funding for sixth form colleges to be increased to match the level allocated to sixth forms in schools.

Ivan Lewis: As a result of the spending review, the core unit of funding per full-time equivalent student for further education colleges will increase 1 per cent. in real terms in each of the next three years in return for improved outcomes from colleges. We will be agreeing new improvement targets with colleges to make sure we maximise the return on these resources. We are now considering further the outcome of the spending review and other decisions on allocations, including to further education, will be announced in the autumn. We remain committed to bringing up the level of funding for colleges towards that of school sixth forms. This will take time and can be done only as resources allow.

Children's Centres

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the activities to be carried out in the Children's Centres referred to in the Chancellor's Comprehensive Spending Review; and what funding will be available for them.

Estelle Morris: Children's Centres will provide a core offer of services including high quality early years education and child care. They will also provide extensive parental outreach, family support services and child and family health services.
	The Comprehensive Spending Review announced a £1.5 billion combined budget for child care, early years and Sure Start by 2005–06, which will be committed to the development of integrated services, including the development of new Children's Centres.

Additional Investment

Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much additional investment will result from the spending review for each (a) primary and (b) secondary school in Cheltenham.

Estelle Morris: I will take the decisions on the distribution of the additional resources provided by the spending review between and within the various sectors of education later in the year. Decisions on how each primary and secondary school on Cheltenham will be funded will continue to be taken by Gloucestershire local education authority but typical primary and secondary schools in Cheltenham, as in the rest of England, will get a year-on-year increase of £10,000 and £50,000 in direct funding through School Standards Grant and devolved formula capital.

Press Office

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) full time equivalents were employed by her press office and (b) secondees were placed in her press office in the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Twigg: holding answer 22 July 2002
	The following table shows the average number of Press Officers employed in the DfEE/DfES press office in each of the last 5 years:
	
		
			  Total (fte) 
		
		
			 1997 20.5 
			 1998 29.5 
			 1999 27.5 
			 2000 28 
			 2001 23 
			 2002 26 
		
	
	In addition, for each of the years an average of eight administrative staff were also employed in the Press Office. Since 2001 there have been two posts available in the press office for short-term secondments for staff from other areas of the Department (posts filled sporadically so not included in table). In 2001 there was one press officer on long-term secondment to the Press Office. Currently there are two. They are included in the table.

Higher and Further Education

David Rendel: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the expected total of spending on (a) higher and (b) further education was (i) in 2002–03 and 2003–04 before the CSR and (ii) in 2003–04, 2004–05 and 2005–06 after the CSR.

Estelle Morris: holding answer 22 July 2002
	Prior to the Spending Review 2002, the total publicly planned funding to higher education institutions and on further education in England was:
	
		£ billion 
		
			  Higher education(17) Further education 
		
		
			 2002–03 6.1 4.3 
			 2003–04 6.4 4.6 
		
	
	(17) These figures are taken from the grant letter issued to the Higher Education Funding Council for England in November 2001.
	The new total allocations for higher and further education in 2003–04, 2004–05 and 2005–06 following the Spending Review 2002 will be announced later.

Higher and Further Education

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what regulations exist on the space provided for the education of students in further education colleges.

Margaret Hodge: There are no such regulations for further education colleges.

School Playing Fields

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many school playing fields have been sold since 1997.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 22 July 2002
	Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 was introduced on 1 October 1998 to stop the indiscriminate sale of school playing fields that occurred in the 1980s and early to mid 1990s. There are no central records of how many school playing fields were sold before October 1998.
	A total of 115 applications to sell areas of school playing field larger than a small sports pitch for the under 10s—that is, over 2,000m 2 , have been approved since October 1998. Some 50 of these approved applications involved sports pitches at closed schools, while a further 17 were at operating schools where the playing fields were no longer used by the schools and were not needed by other local schools. In a further 15 cases, alternative sports pitches have been provided to replace those that have been lost. In all cases, we have ensured that the remaining playing fields would meet the full needs of the schools involved and of other schools in the local area.
	Applications to sell school playing fields are only approved where it is clear that any proceeds will be used to improve school sports provision or education facilities. Some of the proceeds from these approved applications have been earmarked to provide new sports halls and to improve other sports facilities at schools, such as new all-weather pitches and to bring other, poorly drained pitches back into use. The rest of the proceeds are being used to help lever up standards in our schools—for example, by providing modern, up to date, teaching accommodation, such as science and technology classrooms. In a number of cases, the proceeds are to be used to help build new schools or to enable multi site schools to consolidate on to one site.
	All applications made since 16 July 2001 are scrutinised by the School Playing Fields Advisory Panel to make sure that they meet our published criteria. The panel comprises representatives from the National Playing Fields Association, the Central Council of Physical Recreation, Learning through Landscapes, the National Association of Headteachers and the Local Government Association.

Dyslexia

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action she is taking to assist adult students who have ADHD and dyslexia.

Ivan Lewis: The Government is committed to encouraging more students, including those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia, to continue in education and training and to raising attainment levels.
	We have introduced a range of legislation designed to ensure that people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are not discriminated against in respect of their access to education and training. As a result the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is required, under section 13 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000, to consider the needs of people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities in the discharge of its duties to secure facilities for education, training and work experience.
	From September 2002, it will be unlawful for those bodies responsible for the provision of further education, higher education, adult and community learning and youth services to discriminate against disabled students and other disabled people and they will be required to make reasonable adjustments to provision where disabled students or other disabled people might otherwise be substantially disadvantaged.
	In addition we have made available a range of learning and learner support funds to enable access to and participation in post-16 learning. These funds recognise the need for additional support that may arise for an individual with a learning difficulty and/or disability and help us to provide equality of opportunity and tackle social exclusion.
	The department and the LSC are currently reviewing the arrangements for the funding of additional learning support across the post-16 education and training sector and will consider any necessary changes as part of the review.

Apprenticeships

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the (a) past, (b) current and (c) future funding of (i) HNDs and (ii) HNCs within apprenticeship training.

Ivan Lewis: Before 1999–2000 the further education funding council provided funding for HNDs and HNCs to colleges and universities; since then funding has come from the higher education funding council for England and is allocated through the council's normal funding method for teaching. HND and HNC courses do not form a compulsory part of apprenticeship training.

Apprenticeships

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many modern apprenticeships there were in each of the past 10 years; what the average cost is of a modern apprenticeship; and what percentage of modern apprenticeships are (a) commenced and (b) completed by (i) men and (ii) women.

Ivan Lewis: (a) Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (AMA, formerly known as Modern Apprenticeships) were fully operational from September 1995. Foundation Modern Apprenticeships (FMA, formerly known as National Traineeships) were introduced nationally in September 1997.
	The numbers of Modern Apprenticeships (Foundation and Advanced) started are as follows:
	
		
			   AMA and FMA starts % men % women 
		
		
			 1995–96 25,800 66 34 
			 1996–97 70,300 54 46 
			 1997–98 84,200 53 47 
			 1998–99 119,100 50 50 
			 1999–2000 170,700 49 51 
			 2000–01 188,300 49 51 
			 2001–02(18) 167,800 50 50 
		
	
	(18) Starts after 25 March 2001 exclude transfers between AMA, FMA and Other (work-based) Training.
	(b) Information on completion of modern apprenticeship (MA) framework is not available.
	An average figure for the cost of a modern apprenticeship is not available because the funding paid to training providers varies according to the length of stay, apprenticeship framework, the occupational sector, the age of the apprentice and from year to year.
	In 2001–02 payments by the Learning and Skills Council to learning providers for AMAs and FMAs amounted to approximately £432.5 million but this does not include other costs such as administration, learner expenses or publicity.
	The funding rates for those in learning on MAs 2002–03, and completing training, are based on the following:
	
		
			 Advanced modern apprenticeship Learners aged 16–18 years Learners aged 19–24 years 
		
		
			 Occupational Sector Total Funding (£) Total Funding (£) 
			 Agriculture 6,081 4,061 
			 Construction 13,783 7,685 
			 Engineering 14,560 8,850 
			 Manufacturing 13,135 8,364 
			 Transportation 11,191 7,423 
			 Management and Professional 6,981 4,304 
			 Business Administration 5,822 4,077 
			 Retailing and Customer Service 4,736 3,552 
			 Leisure, Sport and Travel 5,498 3,834 
			 Hospitality 5,316 3,552 
			 Hair and Beauty 6,657 4,061 
			 Health, Care and Public Services 8,181 5,825 
			 Media and Design 9,107 4,993 
		
	
	
		
			 Foundation modern apprenticeship Learners aged 16–18 years Learners aged 19–24 years 
		
		
			 Occupational Sector Total Funding (£) Total Funding (£) 
			 Agriculture 4,587 2,379 
			 Construction 5,630 3,641 
			 Engineering 6,579 3,411 
			 Manufacturing 4,595 3,252 
			 Transportation 6,878 3,670 
			
			 Management and Professional 4,117 2,467 
			 Business Administration 3,717 2,353 
			 Retailing and Customer Service 3,018 1,829 
			 Leisure, Sport and Travel 3,586 2,110 
			 Hospitality 3,018 1,829 
			 Hair and Beauty 5,622 2,845 
			 Health, Care and Public Services 3,586 2,379 
			 Media and Design 4,000 2,379

Individual Learning Accounts

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to replace individual learning accounts with a successor programme; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 18 July 2002
	The Government is committed to introducing a successor scheme to Individual Learning Accounts. An announcement will be made in the autumn.

Individual Learning Accounts

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many learning providers have been investigated by the Individual Learning Accounts Compliance Unit since 1 November 2001; and how many prosecutions have taken place.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 18 July 2002
	Since 1 November 2001, 698 registered Individual Learning Account (ILA) providers have been referred to the ILA Compliance Unit. Currently 145 providers are being followed up through correspondence; three of these have been referred to the Department's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and a further 17 providers have been subject to visits by the audit review team. 96 other providers have been referred directly to SIU. 77 of those referred to SIU have been passed to the police. So far no prosecutions have resulted from this action. A further 440 providers are awaiting follow-up.
	In total 132 cases have been passed to the SIU; of these, 98 have been referred to the police. To date there have been 45 arrests, which have resulted in 10 people accepting cautions and charges being brought against 13 individuals, 12 of whom are awaiting court appearances. One person has been convicted.

Arts and Humanities Research Funding

Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the results were of the review of Arts and Humanities Research Funding announced by the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning and Higher Education in September 2001.

Margaret Hodge: The review, which was commissioned in conjunction with education Ministers in the devolved Administrations, concluded that the current Arts and Humanities Research Board has done much since its creation in 1998 to establish an effective system for awarding research grants and funding for postgraduate students. It recommended that there should now be a further step, the creation of an Arts and Humanities Research Council. It concludes that this body should have UK-wide responsibilities and the same status as the existing Research Councils, with which it should be closely linked. A copy of the review report has been placed in the Library. The Government will respond to the report in due course, when there has been chance fully to consult the devolved Administrations on the way forward.

SMEs

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many SMEs have lost their Investors in People Award status as of January; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 22 July 2002
	The numbers of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that have lost their IiP award at January 2002 are as follows:
	
		
			  Size of enterprise (UK wide) Total revoked since the first IiP recognitions in October 1991 
		
		
			 Less than 10 289 
			 10–49 908 
			 50–249 975 
		
	
	Investors in People has a very high customer retention rate. Over the past decade it has maintained a customer retention rate of over 90 per cent. on organisations that have been recognised.

Child Care (Regulation)

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many child care professionals the Government estimate are working in the UK.

Estelle Morris: The latest published Childcare Workforce Survey shows that in spring 2001 there were 274,520 paid employees, working in nurseries (94,294), playgroups (79,800), Out of School Clubs (28,126) and child minders (72,300), in England.
	The latest quarterly Labour Force Survey for spring 2001, which uses a wider definition of child care and covers the whole of the UK, shows that there were 305,000 paid employees within the child care sector.

Nursery Education

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of three-year-olds were in nursery education on (a) 1 May 1997, (b) 31 December 1998, (c) 31 December 2001 and (d) the latest date for which information is available; and if she will make a statement.

Estelle Morris: holding answer 11 July 2002
	The available information on three-year-olds in early years education provision is shown in the following table.
	
		Percentage(19) of three-year-olds(20) by type of early years education provider 1997–2002 (provisional estimates) -- position in January each year—England
		
			   1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 
		
		
			 Private and voluntary providers(21) (22)— (22)— (22)— 44 47 47 
			 Independent schools 4 4 4 4 4 4 
			 Nursery and primary schools: 34 35 37 38 37 37 
			 Nursery schools and nursery classes in primary schools 34 35 37 37 (22)— 37 
			 Infant classes in primary schools(23) 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 (22)— 0.2 
			 Special schools(24) 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 
			 All providers(25) 38 40 42 86 89 89 
		
	
	(19) Number of three-year-olds attending provider expressed as a percentage of the three-year-old population.
	(20) Any child attending more than one provider may have been counted twice.
	(21) Includes some local authority providers (other than schools) registered to receive nursery education grants; excludes independent schools and providers not registered to receive nursery education grants.
	(22) Not available.
	(23) Includes reception and other classes not designated as nursery classes.
	(24) Includes general hospital schools.
	(25) Private and voluntary provider information was not available for the years 1997–99.
	We are committed to providing all three-year-olds, whose parents want one, with a free nursery education place by September 2004.
	Latest figures on three-year-olds in early years education providers were published by the Department in the Statistical First Release "Provision for Children Under Five Years of Age in England—2002 (Provisional Estimates) (09/2002)" in May 2002, a copy of which is available from the Library. An electronic copy of this publication is also available on the Department's website (www.dfes.gov.uk/ statistics).

Nursery Education

Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the annual cost is of providing a child with five full days per week in a nursery school in the latest year for which figures are available

Estelle Morris: My Department does not collect the information requested.
	In England all funding for full and part-time nursery education places for four-year-olds, along with the majority of funding for three-year-olds, in the local authority maintained sector, is determined locally.
	The balance of funding for three-year-olds comes through the Nursery Education Grant. In 2002–03 the grant for a free, part-time early education place for three- year-olds is £1,218 per child. This funding purchases five, two and a half hour sessions per week, for 33 weeks per year.

Special Educational Needs

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidelines exist on the provision of pre-school education to children with special educational needs.

Estelle Morris: All children in the early years should be treated as individuals to ensure each has equal opportunity to develop their full potential. This message is reinforced throughout the joint DfES/Qualifications and Curriculum Authority publication, "Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage", which has been made available to all early years practitioners. The guidance stresses the importance of early intervention and the key role practitioners play in identifying learning needs, and in the planning required to support those needs.
	The requirements of the Nursery Education Grant require all early years settings that receive it to have an SEN policy and have regard to the revised SEN Code of Practice. We included a new chapter in the revised SEN Code of Practice entitled, "Identification, Assessment and Provision in Early Education Settings", which expands significantly on SEN provision for children under five years of age. In addition, the SEN and Disability Act 2001 enables private, voluntary and independent sector settings to request statutory assessments for the four year olds in their care, and for three year olds by 2004 when we expect universal provision for this age group.

Special Educational Needs

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what financial support is available to children with special educational needs to attend mainstream pre-school in the same circumstances as other children.

Estelle Morris: In March 2001, we announced a £25 million three year programme to support children with disabilities or special educational needs in the early years. This funding supports a number of DfES SEN and disability initiatives all of which are focused on enabling children with SEN to participate in mainstream provision. These initiatives include £9.5 million for local training over three years of identified Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) in the private, voluntary and independent sector early years settings; £11 million additional funding for LEAs and Early Years Development and Child care Partnerships (EYDCPs) this financial year and the next, to support and improve existing SEN support activities; £3 million for support services such as Portage schemes, projects aimed at early identification and intervention for SEN, and better resources for children with low incidence disability; and £1 million for the development of national training materials to support local SEN training activity. The funding has also resourced 4 Area SENCO pilot projects in 2001–02. We are drafting guidance following the conclusion of the pilot projects on the role and objectives of Area SENCOs, and encouraging EYDCPs to start developing networks of "Area SENCOs" who will work with early years settings by the autumn of this year.
	The Department continues to work closely with EYDCPs who are making SEN and disability support a priority over the three financial years 2001–02 to 2002–03 and 2003–04. In 2002–03 we asked them through the statutory planning process, to develop local joined up SEN and disability support/resource strategies, and to build networks with local education, social and health support services and other key local agencies. We also asked EYDCPs to provide us with details on planned working groups in 2002–03 involving key local services and to highlight the difficulties in bringing these services together.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE

Parliamentary Questions

Theresa May: To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick- upon-Tweed, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission when he will answer the questions from the hon. Member for Maidenhead of 11 March (a) on the electoral systems used for elections to (i) the office of London Mayor, (ii) the Greater London Assembly, (iii) the Scottish Parliament and (iv) the Welsh Assembly, (b) on the closed list electoral system for the European Parliament, (c) concerning the electoral system used for electing the House, (d) concerning electoral systems that may be used for electing the elected element of a reformed second chamber in Parliament and (e) concerning electoral systems used for electing directly- elected mayors in England and Wales.

Alan Beith: I have already written to apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in replying to her questions of 11 March. At the time she asked similar questions of the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. I regret that her separate questions to the Speaker's Committee were not noticed. Each of her questions sought information on the plans of the Electoral Commission for work in the areas listed. This answer deals with all five of them.
	I understand that the Electoral Commission has no plans to carry out any reviews of existing or proposed electoral systems in the UK. However, the Commission will, in accordance with its statutory duties, report on the administration of elections to the European, United Kingdom and Scottish Parliaments, and elections to the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies. No such duty exists in relation to other elections mentioned, although the Commission is required to keep under review, and from time-to-time submit reports to the Secretary of State on, a range of elections and referendums including local elections in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
	It is expected that these statutory election reports from the Electoral Commission will examine a wide range of issues linked to the administration and conduct of the election in question, including levels of voter participation and public understanding of the voting system. However, the Commission has taken the view that it would not be appropriate for it to adopt any policy view in relation to the merits of current or alternative systems of voting while there is a prospect of the Government asking the Commission to conduct a referendum on the use of a form or proportional representation for voting in elections to the House of Commons.

Financial Contributions to Political Parties

Bill Wiggin: To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, on behalf of the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission what plans the Commission has to review legislation regarding financial contributions to political parties.

Alan Beith: I understand from the Chairman that the Electoral Commission will be launching this summer a review of the funding of political parties, which will examine a number of issues including the capping of donations. The Commission is also undertaking a review of the operation of the financial regulatory framework set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and a separate review of the policy development grants scheme that it administers.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Delegated Legislation

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what (a) affirmative and (b) negative resolutions his Department plans to make in the next 12 months.

Christopher Leslie: The negative and affirmative resolutions planned over the next 12 months will be announced by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the normal course of business in the usual manner.

Homelessness

Paul Stinchcombe: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what statutory powers are vested in (a) local housing authorities, (b) local social services authorities and (c) other authorities to offer financial assistance to intentionally homeless families with a child in order to secure for that child a permanent home with his or her family.

Tony McNulty: Under section 190(2)(b) of the Housing Act 1996, local housing authorities have a duty to ensure that applicants who are eligible for assistance, intentionally homeless and who have dependant children are provided with advice and assistance in any attempts they may make to secure accommodation for themselves. Advice and assistance may include the provision of financial assistance.
	Under section 17 of the Children Act 1989, social services authorities have a duty:
	(a) to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in their area who are in need; and
	(b) so far as is consistent with that duty, to promote the upbringing of such children by their families.
	Where the child is a child in need solely as a result of family homelessness the social services authority can assist the family to obtain accommodation, possibly by providing temporary accommodation or a rent deposit, if they consider that this is the best way of meeting his needs.
	Under section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000, local authorities have a power to promote the economic, social or environmental well-being of their area, which includes a power to give financial assistance. If the authority chooses, the power in section 2 can be exercised for the benefit of individuals in the area. This power does not apply where an activity is prohibited by other legislation.
	The Government have introduced an amendment to the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill, currently being considered by Parliament, that will curtail the support that local authorities can provide to certain categories of new arrivals in the UK who seek support.

Sub-post Offices

Clive Efford: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  what discussions he has had with the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the need to maintain sub-post offices in deprived urban areas; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what action he is taking to support sub-post offices in deprived urban areas.

Tony McNulty: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has been working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry to develop a scheme to maintain sub-post offices in deprived urban areas. In particular ring-fenced funding of £15 million has been set aside to support a fund that is being set up to contribute to practical measures to improve and modernise post office premises in deprived urban areas.

Sub-post Offices

Virginia Bottomley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the degree to which cost of living elements are adequately weighted in the local government funding formula; and by what mechanism sparsity and rurality elements are included in the present mechanism.

Nick Raynsford: The cost of living is allowed for within the local government grant distribution system by the Area Cost Adjustment. We are currently consulting on options for a new grant distribution formula, and this includes a range of alternatives to the existing Area Cost Adjustment. We will be carefully considering all the views that are put to us during the consultation period before making a final assessment on the best way forward.
	In the existing formula, sparsity and rurality are reflected by using a population sparsity indicator that reflects the number of hectares per capita in each authority. This indicator is used in the current formulae for education, elderly domiciliary social services, police and environmental, protective and cultural services. Full details are in the Local Government Finance Report that we publish each year, and which is available in the Libraries of the House.

Local Government Finance

John Gummer: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how he will ensure that the new financial system for local authorities will provide an effective framework within which councils can initiate innovative ways of delivering customer-food services.

Nick Raynsford: Our comprehensive agenda for reform of the local government finance system was set out in last December's White Paper "Strong Local leadership—Quality Public Services". Our finance reforms will give councils more space to innovate in all areas of service delivery by providing local authorities with greater freedom to borrow, invest, trade, charge and set spending priorities.

Local Government Act

Andrew Love: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on progress on the review of access to information in local authorities relating to the Local Government Act 2000.

Nick Raynsford: The implementation plan which we issued, following the publication of the 2001 White Paper "Strong Local Leadership, quality Public Services" indicated that we would be reviewing the local authority access to information regime from June 2002. Officials have now begun discussions with the Information Commissioner, the Local Government Association and others to identify key issues for analysis in the review.
	We intend, as the next step, to publish during the summer a policy paper to examine the key issues involved, including the future implications for the local government sector of the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The paper will seek to identify practical issues which local authorities are now facing and invite views, in particular from councils, the Local Government Association and the Campaign for Freedom of Information, on the issues discussed and to come forward with examples of good practice. We will place copies of the policy paper the House Library.
	We plan to continue working with the Local Government Association, the Information Commissioner and others to secure the most sound and practical implementation by local government of the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. We want to link this with a streamlining of the current access to information requirements to maintain and re-enforce the culture of openness and transparency which is essential to effective, democratic local government.

Local Councillors

Paul Clark: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he intends to make regulations governing the local investigation and determination of misconduct allegations concerning local councillors.

Nick Raynsford: My Department issued a consultation paper on 20 May, setting out a proposed framework within which the Standards Board for England would refer certain allegations of misconduct for local investigation and determination by standards committees. We have received around 1,000 responses to that consultation which we are now considering carefully. We intend in October, having had regard to these responses, to make regulations putting in place a regime for local investigation and determination of misconduct allegations.

Annual Report

Alan Beith: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost was of publishing his Department's annual report and those of the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions in each of the past five years; and if he will provide a breakdown of the costs incurred.

Nick Raynsford: Before June 2002, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was part of the Cabinet Office, and its expenditure and work were therefore not separately reported. The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions was created in June 2001, from the former Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The publication costs of the DETR Annual Reports for 1998–2000 can be identified only at disproportionate cost; those for the 2000–01 report were approximately £5,200. The final publication costs for the DTLR report for 2001–02, which was published last month are not yet known. I will write to the right hon. Member with the details when they are available.

Office Accommodation

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much has been spent in relation to changes in office accommodation which have taken place as a result of the change in Department structure since June; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: Expenditure since June to date on changes in office accommodation resulting from the change in Department structure amounts to £16,000 plus VAT.

Rebranding

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much has been spent by his Department in rebranding his Department, broken down by (a) design of the departmental logo, (b) design and orders of new stationery, (c) Department signage and (d) website designs, as a result of the Department structural change in June; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: ODPM uses the Royal Crest as the main part of its corporate identity and has incurred no 'design' costs as such. A nominal amount has been spent on originating artwork for print and electronic publishing.
	My Department's costs have been low as it makes extensive use of electronic templates, keeps low stocks of stationery and generally uses out of date stationery for purposes such as internal photocopying and notepads.
	Cost breakdown is as follows:
	(a) logo £525 plus VAT
	(b) stationery £7,400 including value of existing stock
	(c) signage £3,600 plus VAT
	(d) website £3,145.
	The figure of £3,145 for the website represents half the cost of dividing one site into two sites. The other half of the cost is attributable to the Department for Transport.

Consultancy Fees

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much has been spent on consultancy fees in relation to the change in Department structure since June; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: Additional consultancy costs of £10,858 (plus VAT) have been incurred, under an existing contract, for estates advice following the creation of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department for Transport.

Standard Spending Assessment

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list those unitary authorities that made representations regarding the review of the SSA formula.

Christopher Leslie: We have had at least one written representation making at least one point relating to the SSA system from the following shire unitary authorities since the publication of the Green Paper "Modernising Local Government Finance" in September 2000:
	Bath and North East Somerset
	Blackburn with Darwen
	Blackpool
	Bournemouth
	Bracknell Forest
	Brighton and Hove
	Bristol
	Darlington
	Derby
	East Riding of Yorkshire
	Halton
	Hartlepool
	Isle of Wight Council
	Kingston upon Hull
	Leicester
	Luton
	Medway
	Middlesbrough
	Milton Keynes
	North East Lincolnshire
	North Lincolnshire
	North Somerset
	Nottingham
	Peterborough
	Plymouth
	Poole
	Portsmouth
	Reading
	Redcar and Cleveland
	Rutland
	Slough
	South Gloucestershire
	Stockton-on-Tees
	Stoke-on-Trent
	Swindon
	Telford and the Wrekin
	Thurrock
	Torbay
	Warrington
	West Berkshire
	Windsor and Maidenhead
	Wokingham
	York.
	Others may have made representations either before that point, via representative groupings of authorities, in meetings with Ministers, or when talking to officials. As of Tuesday 15 July, we have not yet received any formal responses from unitary authorities to the current consultation.

Firefighters' Pay

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the formula is for calculating firefighters' pay; and what other public servants have their pay determined by similar calculations.

Christopher Leslie: Firefighters' pay is negotiated between the local authorities employers and the Fire Brigades' Union in the National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire Brigades. Annual pay increases since 1978 have been determined by a formula linking the pay of a fully qualified fire-fighter to the earnings of the top quarter of adult male manual workers.
	No other public service pay group has their pay determined by the same formula but Police forces in England and Wales also have their pay determined by a formula. The formula used since 1994 is the median of private sector non-manual pay settlements in the past year.

Departmental Reorganisation

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what changes there have been in the total wage expenditure budget of his Department since the departmental reorganisation in June; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: There have been no changes in the total pay budget associated with the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions' total administration resources. The division of these resources between the two new Departments—the Department for Transport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister—is currently being finalised. However, no additional resources are being made available from the Exchequer as a result of the departmental reorganisation.

Air-conditioning

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 8 March 2002, Official Report, column 584W, on air-conditioning, what his policy is on implementation of the ban on the use of chlorofluorocarbons in chiller plant in buildings owned by his Department; when a decision will be taken on a choice of air-conditioning for the QEII building to replace the present refrigerants of chlorofluorocarbon provenance; and whether it is intended that the new provision will contain not-in-kind and HFC refrigerants.

Christopher Leslie: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends not to purchase products that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or any other ozone-depleting substances, where there are suitable alternatives.
	In respect of the QEII conference centre, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Laura Moffatt) on 9 July 2002, Official Report, column 874–75W.

Town and Country Finance

Virginia Bottomley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to meet the leaders of the Town and Country Finance Issues Group.

Nick Raynsford: There are no meetings fixed at present, but I would be happy to meet the TACFIG group to discuss the current consultation on the system to distribute general grant to local authorities.

Children in Care

Paul Burstow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 1 July 2002, Official Report, column 196W, on children in care, what figures his Department holds on the number of children that are (a) homeless, (b) in bed and breakfast accommodation and (c) in temporary accommodation.

Tony McNulty: Summary information on activity under statutory homelessness provisions is reported to the Department by local authorities in England. This includes the number of households accepted under the homelessness provisions of the 1985 and 1996 Housing Acts as being eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, and the number of these households resident in various types of temporary accommodation, including bed and breakfast, at the end of each quarter.
	Precise information on the total number of children is not collected, but from data reported we estimate there were some 112,500 children in households accepted as homeless during 2001–02. Available information indicates that on 31 March 2002 there were some 6,500 households living in bed and breakfast style accommodation, and the Bed & Breakfast Unit have estimated that this represents around 11,000 children. There were 40,700 households with dependent children in all forms of temporary accommodation provided by local authorities for the homeless, but no estimates for the number of children are available.

Mobile Phone Operators

Mark Oaten: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he plans to review the mobile phone operators' voluntary code of operation on planning.

Tony McNulty: My noble Friend the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Regeneration met representatives of the five mobile phone network operators on 8 May 2002 to discuss their progress in meeting their commitments to best mast siting practice and the audit arrangements that they have put in place to assess continuing compliance with the commitments.
	Work currently under way to revise the Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Masts is building on the commitments and on our guidance in Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 (Telecommunications) to improve consultation on mast proposals with local communities and local planning authorities. The Working Group established to take that work forward will monitor the operation of the revised code and effectiveness of the commitments themselves.

Empty Homes

Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many empty homes there are (a) in England and (b) in each county or metropolitan district; and what each represents as percentage of housing stock.

Tony McNulty: The number of empty homes in England at 1 April 2001 (latest data available) was 755,100. This figure represents 3.5 per cent. of all housing stock.
	The number of empty homes in each county, unitary or metropolitan district at 1 April 2001 is shown in the table. Also given is the percentage of housing stock the vacant dwellings represent.
	
		
			 Region/county/local authority Total number of vacant dwellings Percentage of stock vacant 
		
		
			 North East   
			 Metropolitan districts   
			 Gateshead 3,220 3.7 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 3,767 3.1 
			 North Tyneside 3,814 4.2 
			 South Tyneside 2,578 3.8 
			 Sunderland 4,934 4.0 
			
			 Unitary authorities   
			 Hartlepool 1,708 4.3 
			 Middlesbrough 1,977 3.4 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 2,822 4.6 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 3,046 4.0 
			 Darlington 2,095 4.8 
			
			 Counties   
			 County Durham 11,341 5.1 
			 Northumberland (26)— (26)— 
			
			 North West   
			 Metropolitan districts   
			 Bolton 4,643 4.1 
			 Bury 1,299 1.6 
			 Manchester 17,081 8.8 
			 Oldham 3,362 3.6 
			 Rochdale 4,817 5.4 
			 Salford 5,543 5.5 
			 Stockport 4,255 3.5 
			 Tameside (26)— (26)— 
			 Trafford 2,386 2.6 
			 Wigan 5,146 3.9 
			 Knowsley 2,700 4.0 
			 Liverpool 18,734 9.1 
			 Sefton 4,433 3.6 
			 St. Helens (26)— (26)— 
			 Wirral 6,493 4.6 
			
			 Unitary authorities   
			 Halton 1,842 3.6 
			 Warrington 1,425 1.8 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 4,374 7.5 
			 Blackpool 3,498 5.2 
			
			 Counties   
			 Cheshire (26)— (26)— 
			 Cumbria 8,540 3.8 
			 Lancashire 23,462 4.7 
			
			 Yorkshire and Humberside   
			 Metropolitan districts   
			 Barnsley 4,602 4.8 
			 Doncaster 6,086 4.7 
			 Rotherham (26)— (26)— 
			 Sheffield 11,980 5.3 
			 Bradford 9,980 5.0 
			 Calderdale 5,382 6.1 
			
			 Kirklees 5,798 3.5 
			 Leeds 14,338 4.6 
			 Wakefield 5,197 3.8 
			
			 Unitary authorities   
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 4,516 3.3 
			 Kingston upon Hull 8,388 7.3 
			 North East Lincolnshire 3,303 4.8 
			 North Lincolnshire 2,511 3.8 
			 York 3,062 3.9 
			
			 Counties   
			 North Yorkshire 11,044 4.4 
			
			 East Midlands   
			 Unitary authorities   
			 Derby 4,470 4.5 
			 Leicester 6,585 5.6 
			 Rutland 543 3.9 
			 Nottingham City 3,328 2.8 
			
			 Counties   
			 Derbyshire 10,919 3.4 
			 Leicestershire (26)— (26)— 
			 Lincolnshire (26)— (26)— 
			 Northamptonshire 8,129 3.1 
			 Nottinghamshire 10,609 3.3 
			
			 West Midlands   
			 Metropolitan districts   
			 Birmingham 21,538 5.3 
			 Coventry 4,807 3.8 
			 Dudley 3,191 2.5 
			 Sandwell 4,542 3.7 
			 Solihull 891 1.1 
			 Walsall 4,178 3.9 
			 Wolverhampton 5,424 5.3 
			
			 Unitary authorities   
			 Herefordshire 2,375 3.2 
			 Telford and Wrekin 2,247 3.6 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 6,141 5.7 
			
			 Counties   
			 Hereford and Worcester 4,941 2.2 
			 Shropshire 4,211 3.5 
			 Staffordshire (26)— (26)— 
			 Warwickshire (26)— (26)— 
			
			 East   
			 Unitary authorities   
			 Luton 2,456 3.4 
			 Peterborough 2,517 3.6 
			 Southend-on-Sea 1,889 2.5 
			 Thurrock 1,981 3.4 
			
			 Counties   
			 Bedfordshire 3,815 2.4 
			 Cambridgeshire (26)— (26)— 
			 Essex (26)— (26)— 
			 Hertfordshire (26)— (26)— 
			 Norfolk (26)— (26)— 
			 Suffolk (26)— (26)— 
			
			 London   
			 Metropolitan districts   
			 Barking and Dagenham 1,329 2.0 
			 Barnet 3,153 2.3 
			 Bexley 1,982 2.1 
			 Brent 5,504 5.3 
			 Bromley 4,318 3.3 
			 Camden 4,335 4.7 
			 City of London 31 0.6 
			 Croydon 4,401 3.2 
			 Ealing 2,449 2.1 
			
			 Enfield (26)— (26)— 
			 Greenwich 3,058 3.3 
			 Hackney 3,254 3.8 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 4,557 5.9 
			 Haringey 4,815 5.1 
			 Harrow 1,218 1.5 
			 Havering 2,702 2.9 
			 Hillingdon 2,511 2.5 
			 Hounslow 1,050 1.2 
			 Islington 3,237 3.8 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 6,067 6.9 
			 Kingston upon Thames (26)— (26)— 
			 Lambeth 2,572 2.1 
			 Lewisham 4,025 3.5 
			 Merton 2,114 2.8 
			 Newham 5,102 5.5 
			 Redbridge (26)— (26)— 
			 Richmond upon Thames 1,757 2.3 
			 Southwark 6,367 5.6 
			 Sutton 2,238 2.9 
			 Tower Hamlets 5,429 6.6 
			 Waltham Forest 2,739 2.9 
			 Wandsworth 2,079 1.7 
			 Westminster 2,957 2.7 
			
			 South East   
			 Unitary authorities   
			 Bracknell Forest 801 1.8 
			 Reading 2,221 3.8 
			 Slough 575 1.3 
			 West Berkshire 1,596 2.7 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 865 1.5 
			 Wokingham 1,139 1.9 
			 Milton Keynes 2,259 2.6 
			 Brighton and Hove 2,167 1.8 
			 Portsmouth 1,675 2.1 
			 Southampton 4,411 5.0 
			 Isle of Wight 1,969 3.2 
			 The Medway Towns 2,687 2.6 
			
			 Counties   
			 Buckinghamshire 3,953 2.1 
			 East Sussex 10,000 4.4 
			 Hampshire (26)— (26)— 
			 Kent (26)— (26)— 
			 Oxfordshire 5,355 2.2 
			 Surrey (26)— (26)— 
			 West Sussex (26)— (26)— 
			
			 South West   
			 Unitary authorities   
			 Bath and North East Somerset 550 0.8 
			 Bristol 6,168 3.6 
			 North Somerset 3,015 3.8 
			 South Gloucestershire 1,842 1.8 
			 Plymouth 4,508 4.3 
			 Torbay 355 0.6 
			 Bournemouth 4,120 5.4 
			 Poole 2,151 3.5 
			 Swindon 1,826 2.3 
			
			 Counties   
			 Cornwall 5,035 2.2 
			 Devon 15,970 5.1 
			 Dorset 3,843 2.2 
			 Gloucestershire (26)— (26)— 
			 Somerset (26)— (26)— 
			 Wiltshire 5,131 2.8 
		
	
	(26) Unknown (missing or only partial data provided by one or more local authorities within a county).
	Sources:
	ODPM's 2001 Housing Strategy statistical appendix returns and Housing Corporation's 2001 Regulatory and Statistical Return (RSR).

Sustainable Communities

Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what changes will take place to the planned total house numbers in each county or unitary authority as a result of his statement on sustainable communities; and how many houses there were in each in 1997.

Tony McNulty: We expect all local authorities to deliver the housing strategy set out in regional planning guidance. We will work with regional and local partners in the four growth areas identified in regional planning guidance for the South East to accelerate the proposals for significant growth. Information on the number of dwellings is given in the Department's Annual Housing Investment Programme Operational Information return submitted by local authorities. A copy of this information is held in the Library of the House of Commons.

Access for Disabled People

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the Government proposes to amend Part M of the Building Regulations relating to access for disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: My officials, with the assistance of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee, have been preparing proposals for amendments to Part M of the Building Regulations relating to access for disabled people. The proposals for public consultation will be published during the summer recess. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House, and the document will be available online on the website of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and in hard copy on request. The document will be available in a range of formats to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.

Planning

Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what were the median and upper and lower decile periods between (a) the receipt and determination of planning applications, (b) appeals against refusal of planning permission and inquiries into those appeals, (c) inquiries into appeals against refusal of planning permission and inspectors' reports thereon and (d) publication of inspectors' reports and determinations by Ministers in the last year for which information is available.

Tony McNulty: Available information for the last financial year (1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002) is as follows:
	(a) Data are not collected from local authorities on the time taken to determine every planning application. Information from district authorities is collected on the number of applications decided within eight weeks of receipt, between eight and 13 weeks and over 13 weeks.
	
		
			 2001–02 Percentage 
		
		
			 Planning applications decided  
			 Less than eight weeks 65 
			 Eight to 13 weeks 18 
			 More than 13 weeks 17 
		
	
	(b) and (c)
	
		
			 2001–02 Upper decile Median decile Lower decile 
		
		
			 (b) From start date (notice of appeal) to inquiry in weeks 15 19 31 
			 (c) From start date to submission of report in weeks 28 58 160 
		
	
	(d) Information on cases which fall to be determined by the Secretary of State (recovered appeals and called in planning applications) is available on the following basis:
	
		Number of recovered appeals decided within eight weeks, between eight and 13 weeks, and over 13 weeks from receipt of inspector's report
		
			 2001–02 Percentage 
		
		
			  Recovered appeals cases determined by the Secretary of State 
			 Less than eight weeks 44 
			 Eight to 13 weeks 13 
			 More than 13 weeks 43 
		
	
	
		Number of called in planning applications decided within 13 weeks, between 13 and 20 weeks, and over 20 weeks from receipt of inspector's report
		
			 2001–02 Percentage 
		
		
			  Called in planning applications cases determined by the Secretary of State 
			 Less than 13 weeks 36 
			 13 to 20 weeks 18 
			 More than 20 weeks 46

Planning

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the proposals for the revision of Part M of the Building Regulations will be published for consultation.

Christopher Leslie: My officials, with the assistance of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee, have been preparing proposals for amendments to Part M of the Building Regulations relating to access for disabled people. The proposals for public consultation will be published during the summer recess. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House, and the document will be available online on the website of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and in hard copy on request. The document will be available in a range of formats to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.

Planning

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received on his proposals for planning reforms.

Tony McNulty: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has published a comprehensive statement on the outcome of consultation on the planning Green Paper and copies are available in the Library.

Planning

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he intends to bring forward to use the planning system to raise the required density of dwellings in new developments.

Tony McNulty: Planning Policy Guidance note 3: Housing, states in paragraph 58 that local authorities should "avoid developments that make inefficient use of land (those at less than 30 dwellings per hectare net)". The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to intervene in planning applications for housing that involve a density of less than 30 dwellings per hectare.

Planning

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the way in which proposals to reconcile provision for the retention by local authorities of tariffs for the granting of planning permission on major developments as set out in the document, "Reforming Planning Obligations", can be implemented alongside proposals for the reform of the local authority capital finance system as set out in the document, Local Government Finance Formula Grant Distribution-A Consultation Paper.

Christopher Leslie: We do not consider that there is a significant relationship between proposals on the retention of receipts from planning tariffs and the options for reforming how revenue support for capital finance is distributed, as set out in the Formula Grant distribution consultation paper. Therefore no such assessment has been made.

Parish Councillors

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many resignations of parish councillors he has received notice of by reason of the new Model Code of Conduct for Parish Councils.

Christopher Leslie: I refer to the answer the Minister for Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr. Raynsford), gave to the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) on 21 June 2001, Official Report, column 629W.
	Since that answer, some 20 more parish councillors (making around 50 in all) have written saying that they have resigned in response to the introduction of the code.

Parish Councillors

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he is intending to review next the new Model Code of Conduct for Parish Councillors.

Christopher Leslie: We will decide the timing and form of any review of the Model Code in the light of the experience of councils' adopting and implementing their own codes of conduct in accord with the Model Code.

Telecommunications Working Group

Archie Norman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the remit is of the Telecommunications Working Group set up by his Department.

Tony McNulty: The mobile phone operators have made a series of commitments to improve the handling of telecommunications development.
	The Telecommunications Working Group was set up to update the existing Code of Best Practice for Telecommunications.
	The terms of reference for the group are:
	to produce a Mobile Phone Network Development Code of Best Practice;
	to oversee the implementation of the operators' 10 commitments;
	and to monitor the effectiveness of the operators' 10 commitments and the Code of Best Practice.

National Land Use Database

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many local authorities have submitted returns to National Land Use Database; and which authorities have not made a submission.

Tony McNulty: 344 local authorities submitted returns to the National Land Use Database, reporting on previously-developed sites in England in 1998. The following authorities did not make a return then:
	Aylesbury Vale District Council
	Bradford City Council
	Council of the Isles of Scilly
	Croydon LBC
	Kettering Borough Council
	Lake District National Park
	Maldon District Council
	Mid Devon District Council
	North Yorkshire Moors National Park
	Peak District National Park Authority
	Redbridge LBC
	Ryedale District Council (outside National Park)
	South Bedfordshire District Council
	South Oxfordshire District Council
	Southwark LBC
	Teesdale District Council
	Tendring District Council
	Tower Hamlets LBC.
	227 local authorities have made a return updating the data to 31 March 2001. 135 authorities, as follows have not made a return for 2001:
	Arun District Council
	Aylesbury Vale District Council
	Babergh District Council
	Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
	Bassetlaw District Council
	Berwick upon Tweed Borough Council
	Boston Borough Council
	Bradford City Council
	Braintree District Council
	Brent LBC
	Brighton and Hove Borough Council
	Broadland District Council
	Bromley LBC
	Broxtowe Borough Council
	Calderdale Borough Council
	Carrick District Council
	Castle Morpeth Borough Council
	Castle Point Borough Council
	Chelmsford Borough Council
	Chester City Council
	Chester Le Street District Council
	Chichester District Council
	City of Canterbury
	City of Oxford
	City of Worcester
	Colchester Borough Council
	Congleton Borough Council
	Council of the Isles of Scilly
	Craven District Council
	Dacorum District Council
	Dartmoor National Park
	Derby City Council
	Derbyshire Dales District Council
	Durham City Council
	Ealing LBC
	Easington District Council
	East Devon District Council
	East Dorset District Council
	East Hampshire District Council
	East Hertfordshire District Council
	East Lindsey District Council
	East Staffordshire Borough Council
	Eden District Council
	Enfield LBC
	Erewash Borough Council
	Exeter City Council
	Forest Heath District Council
	Gateshead Borough Council
	Gedling Borough Council
	Gloucester City Council
	Gravesham Borough Council
	Great Yarmouth Borough Council
	Harlow District Council
	Hart District Council
	Hastings Borough Council
	High Peak Borough Council
	Kerrier District Council
	Kettering Borough Council
	Lake District National Park
	Lewes District Council
	Lichfield District Council
	Maldon District Council
	Mansfield District Council
	Mendip District Council
	Merton LBC
	Mid Bedfordshire District Council
	Mid Devon District Council
	Mid Suffolk District Council
	Mid Sussex District Council
	North Devon District Council
	North Hertfordshire District Council
	North Shropshire District Council
	North Somerset Unitary Authority
	North Tyneside Borough Council
	North Warwickshire Borough Council
	North Wiltshire District Council
	North Yorkshire Moors National Park
	Northampton Borough Council
	Norwich City Council
	Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
	Oadby and Wigston Council
	Peak District National Park Authority
	Pendle Borough Council
	Peterborough City Unitary Authority Council
	Reading Borough Unitary Authority Council
	Richmond Upon Thames LBC
	Rochdale Borough Council
	Rochford District Council
	Rother District Council
	Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
	Rugby Borough Council
	Rushcliffe Borough Council
	Ryedale District Council
	Scarborough Borough Council
	Sedgefield District Council
	Sedgemoor District Council
	Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council
	Slough Borough Council
	Sough Cambridgeshire District Council
	South Hams District Council
	South Holland District Council
	South Northamptonshire District Council
	South Oxfordshire District Council
	South Tyneside Borough Council
	Spelthorne Borough Council
	Staffordshire Moors District Council
	Stevenage Borough Council
	Stroud District Council
	Sutton LBC
	Taunton Deane Borough Council
	Teesdale District Council
	Teignbridge District Council
	Tewkesbury Borough Council
	The Broads Authority
	Three Rivers District Council
	Thurrock Borough Council
	Torbay Borough Council
	Torridge District Council
	Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
	Warwick District Council
	Watford Borough Council
	Wealden District Council
	Wear Valley District Council
	Welwyn Hatfield District Council
	West Devon Borough Council
	West Lindsey District Council
	West Oxfordshire District Council
	West Somerset District Council
	West Wiltshire District Council
	Westminster City Council
	Winchester City Council
	Wokingham Council
	Wolverhampton Borough Council
	Wycombe District Council
	Wyre Borough Council.

Ordnance Survey

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Quinquennial Review of Ordnance Survey.

Tony McNulty: I am pleased to announce today the outcome of the second and final stage of the Quinquennial Review of Ordnance Survey.
	On 19 December 2001 it was announced that the Government were minded to accept the recommendation from stage 1 of the Review of Ordnance Survey, that it should move to become a Government-owned public limited company (GOplc). Ordnance Survey is a Government Department and Executive Agency operating within a trading fund regime. The stage 1 review considered that it needed additional freedoms and flexibilities to enable it to use its full potential to develop the geographic information and e-business marketplace, and concluded that a change in status could offer such freedoms.
	Subsequently, a Steering Group chaired by this Department, including representatives from Ordnance Survey, HM Treasury, Cabinet Office and two external members from the Association for Geographic Information, and the London borough of Lewisham, undertook further work based on the stage 1 findings consulting external advisers. As with the stage 1 review, consultation took place with a wide range of stakeholders and customers in the geographic information business in Great Britain.
	Following work on stage 2 of the Quinquennial Review, I am now of the opinion that there is no clear evidence to support the view that Ordnance Survey would benefit from a change of status to GOplc.
	The stage 2 review has drawn attention to three issues:
	first, there is a need to reach agreement on enhanced financial freedoms and flexibilities that should be made available to Ordnance Survey;
	secondly, the provision and location of policy advice to Government on geographic information, currently provided by Ordnance Survey alongside its data supply role, will be reviewed;
	and thirdly, in the context of a review of Ordnance Survey's Framework Document, we will consider issues surrounding Ordnance Survey's relationship with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
	The importance of geographic data to Government has recently been underlined by the pilot agreement to make Ordnance Survey data widely available within central Government to help match the extensive benefit that local government already gains from using such data. Ordnance Survey's work in underpinning Great Britain with geographic information and its successful operation since becoming a Trading Fund in 1999, are clearly worth sustaining in the most appropriate way.
	I am satisfied that sustaining Ordnance Survey as a trading fund with some extended freedoms will enable it to continue to develop—and continue to progress its impressive programme of cultural change—to the benefit of all who use its geographic data. Ordnance Survey must be given the right operating framework to enable it to respond to the demands of the geographic information marketplace, which is dependent on the quality, consistency and availability of Ordnance Survey geographic data.
	Ordnance Survey must also, quite crucially, be able to play a full part in ensuring geographic information firmly underpins the e-government agenda, and informs policy formulation and delivery of information and services.
	I have asked my officials to take forward work as a matter of urgency on the three issues I have referred to, and ensure that the decisions reached are reflected in a new published framework document for Ordnance Survey as soon as possible after the House reconvenes in October, but certainly no later than December 2002.

Press Office

Vincent Cable: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many (a) full-time equivalents were employed by his press office and (b) secondees were placed in his press office in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: Detailed information on the numbers of permanent press officers employed in departmental press offices during the financial years 1997–98 were provided in a memorandum dated 16 June 1998 to the Select Committee on Public Administration and published in its report on The Government Information and Communication Service (HC 770) in July 1998. A copy is in the Library of the House.
	The number of full-time equivalent press officers employed in the relevant departmental press office on 1 January for subsequent years were:
	
		
			   Full-time equivalents 
		
		
			  Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (Central) 
			 1999 34.3 
			 2000 40.8 
			 2001 38.0 
			 Cabinet Office  
			 2002 18.0 
		
	
	Secondees to the press office during the full calendar years for which information is available were:
	
		
			   Number of secondees 
		
		
			 1999 Nil 
			 2000 1 
			 2001 1

Housing Benefit

Colin Challen: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many people claimed housing benefit as a percentage of the total population in (a) Leeds, (b) Yorkshire and Humber region and (c) the London region, in the period 1998 to 2002.

Malcolm Wicks: I have been asked to reply.
	The information is in the table.
	
		Housing benefit recipients in Leeds, Yorkshire and the Humber and London as a percentage of the total population aged 16 or over in each area: 1998 to 2002
		
			  Leeds city council area Government office region of Yorkshire and the Humber Government office region of London 
		
		
			 1998 11.7 10.4 12.7 
			 1999 11.1 10.1 11.9 
			 2000 11.1 9.1 10.6 
			
			 2001 9.9 8.7 10.1 
			 2002 9.6 8.5 10.0 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The data refer to households claiming housing benefit which may be a single person, a couple or a family. More than one benefit household can live in one property, for example, two or more adults in a flat or house share arrangement.
	2. Figures exclude any housing benefit extended payment cases.
	3. figures for any non-responding authorities have been estimated.
	Sources:
	Housing Benefit Management Information System quarterly 100 per cent. counts taken in February of each year.
	Office for National Statistics mid-year population estimates for 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Housing Benefit

Bob Russell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many people claimed housing benefit as a percentage of the total population in (a) the Colchester constituency and (b) Essex between 1998 and 2002.

Malcolm Wicks: I have been asked to reply.
	The available information is in the table:
	
		Housing benefit recipients in Colchester and Essex as a percentage of the total population aged 16 or over in each area: 1998 to 2002
		
			  Colchester borough council area(27) Essex 
		
		
			 1998 6.9 7.1 
			 1999 6.7 6.6 
			 2000 6.3 6.5 
			 2001 3.1 6.1 
			 2002 5.9 5.8 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Housing benefit data for the parliamentary constituency of Colchester are not available; figures are only available by local authority area.
	2. Essex figures refer to the local authorities of Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Tendring and Uttlesford.
	3. The data refer to households claiming housing benefit which may be a single person, a couple of a family. More than one benefit household can live in one property, for example two or more adults in a flat or house share arrangement.
	4. Figures exclude any housing benefit extended payment cases.
	5. Figures for any non-responding authorities have been estimated.
	Sources:
	Housing Benefit Management Information System quarterly 100 per cent. counts taken in February of each year.
	Office for National Statistics mid-year population estimates for 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Fire Service

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 13 March 2002, Official Report, column 1088W, on the fire service, how much money his Department has provided for rescues by the fire service that did not involve a fire in the last three years.

Christopher Leslie: Fire service funding is supported through the standard spending assessment arrangements. Over the period in question, the funding distribution formula has included a factor based on the number of fires, false alarms and calls to road traffic accidents, rail and air incidents, and leaks and spills attended by each brigade. Responses to other types of calls are not counted. Responsibility for setting budgets and the allocation of funds received through these arrangements are a matter for individual fire authorities.

Urban Regeneration Company

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will introduce an urban regeneration company to Gloucester.

Tony McNulty: Urban regeneration companies (URCs) are established by the relevant local authority, Regional Development Agency, English Partnerships (if appropriate), the private sector and other key partners. It will be for the South West Regional Development Agency and its local partners to decide whether, and when, to bring forward a proposal to central Government for an urban regeneration company in Gloucester.

Congestion

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to promote and facilitate local authorities' participation in the 'In Town Without My Car Day'; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The UK Government have signed a pledge to support the European 'In Town Without My Car Day'. Responsibility for this now rests with my colleagues in the Department for Transport.

Voting Arrangements

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister who the intended recipients are of the funding for e-voting announced in the 2002 Spending Review.

Christopher Leslie: Under the 2002 Spending Review, there is provision of £30 million: £10 million for each of the three years 2003–04, 2004–05 and 2005–06, for local e-voting, enabling the Government to contribute this sum to the costs of those local authorities and their IT partners participating in e-voting pilot schemes over the next three years.

Voting Arrangements

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the total Government expenditure on the trials into new methods of voting undertaken at the May elections was, broken down into (a) e-voting, (b) postal ballots and (c) other.

Christopher Leslie: The Government made £4.135 million available to contribute to the costs of the 16 local authorities running electronic voting and counting schemes in the May 2002 electoral modernisation pilot programme. The costs of piloting all-postal or other voting techniques were borne by the 14 local authorities concerned.

Voting Arrangements

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what study has been made of the trials of e-voting at the May elections.

Christopher Leslie: The Electoral Commission is evaluating the local authorities that ran e-voting pilot schemes in the May 2002 local and mayoral elections and will provide a detailed assessment of the impact of each scheme to the Deputy Prime Minister by 1 August 2002.

Best Value Programme

Angela Watkinson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost to local government of administering the Best Value programme was in each of the last three years.

Christopher Leslie: No reliable estimates exist of the costs incurred by local authorities in complying with their duty under the Local Government Act 1999. Any such costs would have to be set against the benefits of improved services.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has commissioned Cardiff Business School to evaluate the long-term impact of best value in English local authorities from 2001 until 2005. Part of this involves an assessment of the impact of Best Value in delivering improved services, including an element of cost-effectiveness. However, this is reliant upon year-on-year Best Value performance indicator data, which is currently being collected to monitor improvements. In the meantime, we are aiming to publish the results arising from the first year's census of local authorities. The census provides the benchmark against which the implementation of Best Value and its impact on service delivery will be assessed.

Housing

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proposals he has to ensure that empty homes are (a) located and (b) put to use.

Tony McNulty: The Government set out their policies for locating and bringing back into use empty and abandoned properties in their response to the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Committee's report on empty homes, published on 8 May 2002. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.
	The range of measures in place include: funding for the Empty Homes Agency to help local authorities bring empty properties back into use; the reform of private sector renewal legislation; and the introduction of low demand pathfinder projects.

Housing

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures there are to ensure that public sector workers are able to find affordable homes in (a) Coventry, (b) London and (c) the rest of the UK.

Tony McNulty: I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by our right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 18 July. This set out our plans for tackling the shortage of affordable homes in London and the south-east, and providing homes for key workers and those in the most need.
	With the additional funding for housing and planning announced by our right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, spending will rise to £4.7 billion by 2005–06—up by £1.5 billion on this year's figures.
	The new plans will supplement our existing measures to deliver new homes for key workers, which include the £250 million Starter Home Initiative (SHI). This aims to help 10,000 key workers in England, particularly teachers, police, nurses and other essential health staff to buy homes within a reasonable travelling distance from their work place in areas where the high cost of housing is undermining recruitment and retention.
	Key workers may also be helped through the increased investment provided for rent and low cost home ownership through the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme and local authorities. Since 1997, we have almost doubled funding for affordable housing to £1.2 billion a year and this is now supporting the creation of 20,000 new homes every year. As well as the additional funding for new homes, we will be looking at ways to extend our existing programmes for affordable housing through greater partnership with employers and public and private sector landlords.
	Measures to assist public sector workers in the rest of the UK to find homes are the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Executives.

Housing

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many new homes have been (a) built and (b) improved in Coventry since 1997.

Tony McNulty: The number of new homes by tenure built within the district of Coventry city council since 1997 is shown in table A. It is not possible to report exactly how many homes have been improved in Coventry since 1997. However, figures for the numbers of local authority dwellings which received 'capital type' investment and the number of private sector renovation grants allocated is given in table B. This information is available by financial year only.
	
		Table A: Permanent dwellings completed in Coventry -- Number of dwellings
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 Private enterprise 379 408 483 311 425 
			 Registered social landlords 69 132 69 11 36 
			 Local authority 0 0 0 0 0 
			 All dwellings 448 540 552 322 461 
		
	
	
		Table B: Housing investment ('capital type') and renovation grants in Coventry
		
			  Local authority dwellings that receive 'capital type' investment(27)  Private sector renovation grants 
		
		
			 1997–98 5,585 427 
			 1998–99 3,007 574 
			 1999–2000 5,497 597 
			 2000–01 0 594 
		
	
	(27) Coventry city council became an LSVT authority in 2000–01 and they reported doing no 'capital type' investment work on their own dwellings in that year.
	Source:
	ODPM Housing Investment Programme returns.

Housing

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has for housing construction in the Huntingdon constituency.

Tony McNulty: RPG6 identifies that development plans should provide 4,000 additional dwellings in Cambridgeshire each year between 1996 and 2016. It is the role of the local planning authorities to prepare development plans to accommodate the development proposed in RPG. The replacement Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Structure Plan, prepared by Cambridgeshire county and Peterborough city councils, proposes that 9,500 dwellings be built in Huntingdonshire over the period 1999 and 2016. The structure plan's proposed housing distribution will be debated at an examination in public starting in October.
	Last week the Deputy Prime Minister expressed his concerns that housing needs are not being met and that tackling the housing shortage is national responsibility. The Deputy Prime Minister also announced that over the coming months he intended to work with regional and local partners to establish where, at what scale, and how quickly development could be achieved in the potential growth areas, including within the London-Stansted- Cambridge corridor. The Local Government Conference has commenced a review of regional planning guidance for the East of England and I would expect this to consider the issues of where, at what scale and how quickly development can be delivered.

Housing Association Stock

Alan Hurst: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many (a) houses and (b) flats have been completed by housing associations in each of the years 1990 to 2001.

Tony McNulty: The information requested is available for financial years and is given, for England, in the table.
	
		Numbers of dwellings completed by housing associations: England -- Thousand
		
			  Houses Flats 
		
		
			 1990–91 5.5 9.1 
			 1991–92 7.0 9.0 
			 1992–93 13.1 10.9 
			 1993–94 19.5 10.7 
			 1994–95 21.6 9.7 
			 1995–96 21.5 8.7 
			 1996–97 16.7 7.8 
			 1997–98 15.2 6.2 
			 1998–99 13.5 5.4 
			 1999–2000 12.3 5.1 
			 2000–01 10.9 6.4

Land Development

Debra Shipley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much (a) greenfield and (b) brownfield land has been redeveloped by each regional development agency in each year since their formation.

Tony McNulty: This information is held by individual regional development agencies, and it has not been possible to obtain all the data in the time available. I shall write to my hon. Friend shortly.

Right-to-buy Receipts

Virginia Bottomley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received from borough councils regarding the proposed redistribution of right-to- buy receipts from local authorities.

Nick Raynsford: Written representations have been received from about 20 local authorities, either directly or via local MPs. We will be consulting on the details of the new arrangement shortly.

Local Government Contracts

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the Government will publish the draft code of practice on work force matters in local government contracting, relating to the review of best value.

Nick Raynsford: The Code of Practice, setting out an approach to work force matters in local government service contracts which involve a transfer of staff, is being published today as part of a draft Government circular for public consultation "Best Value and Performance Improvement".
	The draft code will ensure that all contracting exercises and contracts are designed in a way that secures a high quality work force over the life of a contract. It meets our commitment to act to end the threat of a 'two-tier workforce' of transferees and new joiners in local government contracting. And it is consistent with the message in the draft circular that all local authorities must adopt a positive approach to work force matters if they are to achieve best value.
	In publishing the draft circular, the Government are delivering on their commitment in the local government White Paper "Strong Local Leadership—Quality Public Services", to streamline and reform best value. The circular consolidates and replaces existing guidance, and emphasises the key role that best value can play in driving up the delivery of local services and improving the quality of life for all. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the House Libraries.

Physical Regeneration

Debra Shipley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the implications of the comprehensive spending review for the future direction of (a) funding for physical regeneration and (b) regional development agencies;
	(2)  what the levels of spending on physical regeneration will be following the comprehensive spending review; and if he will break down the figures into the various funding streams for which he is responsible.

Tony McNulty: Physical regeneration is undertaken on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister by the regional development agencies and English Partnerships.
	RDAs are funded through a single programme that enables them to undertake a holistic approach to economic development and regeneration. The level of spending on physical regeneration is not distinguished from other spending within this single programme.
	Following the spending review, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced substantial new resources and responsibilities for the RDAs, further strengthening their role as catalysts for economic development and regeneration in the regions. The details are set out in Chapter 23 of the Spending Review 2002 White Paper.
	English Partnerships is currently subject to a quinquennial review and we intend to make a further announcement about its future remit shortly, although as my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister told the House on 18 July he has
	"instructed English Partnerships to use its new role on brown fields to search out and to deliver even more land for housing". The expenditure consequences of English Partnerships' new role have not yet been finalised.

New Deal for Communities

Andrew Love: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the (a) total expenditure and (b) expenditure in capacity building was in each year in each New Deal for Communities area; what the (i) total planned expenditure and (ii) planned expenditure on capacity building will be until the end of each project; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The tables, which I shall place in the Library, illustrate the total expenditure and expenditure in capacity building in each year in each New Deal for Communities area so far and the total planned expenditure and planned expenditure on capacity building until the end of each project.
	Good regeneration schemes are developed by genuine and effective partnerships. And good regeneration partnerships genuinely empower the local community, local business, schools, service providers and others in the district. Building and maintaining such partnerships, however, takes time and effort.
	The Government have designed the New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme so as to enable local partnerships to build the capacity of all those involved, including local residents and statutory agencies.
	There is no single definition of community capacity building, and so the figures in the tables should not be used as a basis for comparison between partnerships. Community capacity building can involve a wide range of differing activities—for example it may involve training community representatives, providing support workers to help the community develop skills, or providing access to administrative or office resources. Retaining the involvement and support of the community should be a priority throughout the life of any regeneration scheme.
	Government guidance for NDC partnerships has made clear that we expect them to spend time and money in building the capacity of local people and agencies to participate. NDC partnerships were given considerably longer to prepare their Delivery Plans than in previous regeneration programmes. For the first time, the Government provided funding to help the partnership prepare its Delivery Plan, so that local people could be genuinely involved in the process of preparing the plan. The rules for NDC partnerships allow them to spend up to 10 per cent. of their funding on management and administration costs (that is double the amount allowed under previous programmes), to ensure that the partnership is properly resourced to deliver a programme with communities at its heart. We have asked each partnership to develop and implement a local learning plan, to equip all of the key players to play their full part in the process of neighbourhood renewal.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Rents

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much he estimates has been saved by the introduction of local reference rent and single room rent.

Malcolm Wicks: The local reference rent and single room rent were introduced to ensure that the needs of people receiving benefit are balanced against those of the taxpayer. These rules ensure that people receiving housing benefit do not have their rent met in full if it exceeds the broadly average rent for similar sized properties in the locality in which they live, and that the benefit system does not provide unemployed young adults with better housing than their working peers can afford.
	The information is in the table.
	
		Estimated reduction in housing benefit expenditure arising from the introduction of the local reference rent and single room rent -- £ million
		
			  Financial year Estimated reduction in housing benefit expenditure 
		
		
			 1995–96 5 
			 1996–97 55 
			 1997–98 135 
			 1998–99 150 
			 1999–2000 150 
			 2000–01 145 
			 2001–02 145 
			 2002–03 160 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Estimates are expressed in nominal terms.
	2. Estimates have been rounded to the nearest £5 million.
	3. Estimates for 2001–02 and 2002–03 are based on forecast caseload and price levels.
	Sources:
	Rent Officer data and Housing Benefit administrative data 1996 to 2001.

People's Consultative Forums

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many seats pensioners voluntary groups have on Older People's Consultative Forums, broken down by each nation and region.

Ian McCartney: Within central Government pensioners voluntary groups are represented on the Partnership Group on Older People, established to focus on the provision of advice to the Cabinet Ministerial Committee on Domestic Affairs Sub-committee on Older People. There are 22 members, who include voluntary organisations such as Age Concern England, Help the Aged and the National Pensioners Convention.
	There is one other central Government forum, the Department of Health's Older People's Taskforce, which includes Age Concern England.
	Consultative forums within the devolved Administrations are the responsibility of the Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Executive. Consultative forums are also organised by local authorities.
	Information on representation on these and other forums is not held centrally.

Recycling

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of waste produced in his Department was (a) recycled, (b) composted, and (c) re-used, broken down into (i) paper, (ii) plastics, (iii) aluminium cans and (iv) other in each year since 1997; what plans there are to increase these proportions; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001. In 2001, the former Department of Social Security produced 24,000 tonnes of waste, of which 37 per cent. was recycled. The vast majority of recycled waste was paper. No waste was composted. Details are not available prior to 2001.
	For 2002, figures show that paper recycling has risen to 55 per cent. of the total waste produced, amounting to 16,172 tonnes. We plan to extend our paper-recycling scheme across the whole Department in the coming year.
	Redundant office furniture is recycled by DWP's estates partners wherever possible. Metal components are reused and desktops are pulped and recycled where possible. Volume figures are not available for this.
	Surplus IT equipment is refurbished and reused wherever possible. This is facilitated by the Disposal Service Agency, and the refurbished equipment is then distributed through the Computers Within Reach initiative.
	DWP as a whole does not currently separate plastics and aluminium cans from the general waste stream, although local schemes to recycle waste are encouraged and are in place at a number of locations. We plan to examine the potential for a national scheme to recycle these waste streams.
	In addition to the recycling initiatives in place, staff are also actively encouraged to reduce the amount of waste that they generate.

Recycling

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of (a) paper and (b) other goods purchased by his Department was recycled paper in each year since 1997; what the annual total cost of these purchases was; what plans there are to increase these proportions; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: 2.12 per cent. of the 1,824,682 reams of paper purchased by DWP in 2001–02 was recycled paper. Of this 1,330,392 reams were purchased from the joint OGC/DWP contract at a cost of £4,913,629. Costs for the remaining 494,290 reams are not available.
	In 2001–02 DWP also purchased 8,434 tonnes of pre- printed paper (leaflets and forms), of which 16 per cent. was recycled. 721 tonnes of card and board were also purchased of which 68 per cent. was recycled. Costs are not currently available.
	Information is not available prior to 2001–02.
	We are currently reviewing the measures we have in place to reduce the overall amount of paper used within the Department at the same time as increasing the percentage of recycled paper used.

Departmental Energy Use

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the estimated (a) level and (b) cost of energy use in his Department and associated agencies was in each year since 1997; what proportion of energy was generated from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Rural Affairs on 3 July 2002, Official Report, columns 385–86W.

Statistics

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the statistics that are collected by his Department by English parliamentary constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 8 July 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Ruth Kelly) on 8 July 2002, Official Report, column 769W.

Sanctions

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what sanctions have been applied against claimants over 24 on the Government's New Deal programme; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: Up to March 2002, we estimate that around 17,979 sanctions 1 had been applied to people aged over 24 on the New Deal programme. This represents the number of sanctions applied, not the number of people sanctioned as some people will have been sanctioned more than once.
	1 This information has been collected by undertaking a special exercise and is based on a combination of IT-generated statistics and information supplied clerically. The figure is therefore an estimate and should be treated as a guide to the number of sanctions applied only.

Sanctions

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many claimants there were to whom deductions in their income support or income based jobseeker's allowance would have been made on their refusal to co-operate with the Department but where the sanctions were not applied because (a) their application would put the claimant or their children at risk of harm and (b) the claimant was in receipt of the disabled premium, disability premium, or a higher pensioner premium, in the latest year for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many claimants there were have had deductions of benefit on the grounds of their refusal to co-operate with the Child Support Agency; what sanctions have been applied; and for what average length of time the sanctions have been applied.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 4 July 2002
	Every child has a right to a decent start in life whether their parents live together or apart. Children are entitled to care and support and both parents are responsible for providing it. It is reasonable to expect that the parent with care should co-operate with the Child Support Agency unless there are reasonable grounds for believing there would be a risk of harm or undue distress to the parent or any child living with them. If a parent with care refuses, without good cause, to co-operate with the agency, their benefit may be reduced by up to 40 per cent. of the income support personal allowance for a person aged 25 or over.
	The available information is in the tables. Following the introduction in April 1998 of face-to-face interviews with parents with care claiming benefits, there has been a sharp rise in compliance and a corresponding fall in the number of reduced benefit directions issued. These interviews provide the opportunity to explain to parents with care the advantages of co-operating with the agency as well as the good cause rules.
	
		Reduced benefit directions issued in respect of parents with care who have failed to co-operate with the Child Support Agency -- Benefit
		
			  Income support/ jobseeker's allowance Family credit 
		
		
			 1997–98 55,115 19,165 
			 1998–99 36,251 13,437 
			 1999–2000 22,115 6,164 
			 2000–01 13,338 84 
			 2001–02 8,163 6 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are not available before April 1997.
	2. Family credit was superseded by working families tax credit in October 1999. Decisions were made on a few residual cases after this date.
	3. Data are not held on the average length of time the directions are in place.
	Source:
	Child Support agency Performance Monitoring Team.
	
		Cases where a reduced benefit direction was not issued because the parent with care could show good cause for not co-operating with the Child Support Agency—2001–02
		
			 Reason good cause accepted Number 
		
		
			 Risk of physical or mental harm to the parent with care or child 14,393 
			 Other 3,118 
		
	
	Note:
	Other reasons include risk of sexual abuse, rape or incest.
	Source:
	Child Support Agency Performance Monitoring Team.
	
		Reduced benefit direction exemptions—1999–2000
		
			 Benefit Number 
		
		
			 Income support/jobseeker's allowance 2,028 
			 Family credit 403 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. A parent with care receiving a disability premium, disabled child's premium or higher pensioner premium is exempt from a reduced benefit direction.
	2. Figures have not been collated centrally since 1999–2000.
	Source:
	Child Support Agency Performance Monitoring Team.

Sanctions

David Lepper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for how many people in each of the last five years in (a) the UK, and (b) the (i) Brighton Pavilion, (ii) Brighton Kemptown and (iii) Hove constituencies (A) the sanction of loss of benefits for up to 26 weeks has been applied and (B) benefit has been restored following a review or an appeal.

Malcolm Wicks: The available information is in the tables.
	
		Unemployment benefit and jobseeker's sanctions applied in Great Britain
		
			 Year Sanctions applied 
		
		
			 1997–98 195,343 
			 1998–99 153,420 
			 1999–2000 158,531 
			 2000–01 164,516 
			 2001–02 160,200 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures for 1997–98 include 93 sanctions applied against residual Unemployment Benefit cases.
	2. Data on the number of cases where benefit was reinstated following review or appeal are not available.
	3. Social Security matters in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
	Source:
	Employment Service Labour Market Statistics, Analysis of Adjudication Officers' Decisions/Sector Decision Making, for years ending 31 March 1998 to 31 March 2002
	
		Jobseeker's allowance sanctions applied in the Brighton and -- Hove area
		
			 Year Sanctions applied 
		
		
			 2000–01 1,160 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Information is not available by parliamentary constituency.
	2. The Brighton and Hove area comprises the area covered by the Brighton Phonenix, Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Regent and Hove Jobcentre Plus offices.
	3. Due to a computer failure local information is limited to 2000–01.
	4. Data on the number of cases where benefit was reinstated following review or appeal are not available.
	Source:
	Employment Service Labour Market Statistics for year ending 31 March 2001.

Child Support Agency

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to give the Child Support Agency the power of surveillance in tackling fraud; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to hon. my Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mrs. Merron) on 24 June 2002, Official Report, column 676W.

Child Support Agency

Linda Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether student loan repayments and student overdraft interest payments are counted as outgoings when the CSA calculates payments due from absent parents.

Malcolm Wicks: No.

Child Support Agency

Vera Baird: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in how many cases a parent with care withdrew a claim for income support after action by the Child Support Agency in each year from 1993–94 to 2001–02.

Malcolm Wicks: The information is not available.

Public Consultations

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the length was of each public consultation undertaken by his Department since 8 June 2001.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department for Work and Pensions follows the Cabinet Office's guidance on written consultation which sets 12 weeks as the standard minimum period for a consultation. The table lists the consultations the Department has begun, or completed since 8 June 2001. There were two occasions where shorter consultations have been conducted, and the reasons for this are included in the table.
	
		
			  Title of consultation  Start date Period in weeks  Reason for shorter consultation 
		
		
			 Changes to Invalid Care Allowance 23 July 2001 12 — 
			 
			 Amending the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979 23 July 2002 12 — 
			 
			 The Minimum Funding Requirement: The next stage of reform. Consultation on the draft Occupational Pension Schemes (Minimum Funding Requirement and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2001 (Occupational Pensions Minimum funding requirements) 18 September 2001 12 — 
			 
			 Occupational Pension Scheme Winding up Notices and Reports (etc.) Regulations 2001 1 August 2001 12 — 
			 
			 Occupational and Personal Pension schemes (Disclosure of Information) Amendment Regulations 2001 13 August 2001 12 — 
			 
			 Private Pensions Simplification 19 October 2001 14 — 
			 
			 Bulk transfer of accrued pensions rights without member consent 20 December 2001 13 — 
			 
			 Revised code of practice on for gathering of information as required in Social Security Fraud Act 2001 8 April 2002 2 This was a follow-up to a previous exercise to which minor technical changes were introduced 
			 
			 Consultation exercise on Pension Scheme Trustees, Independent Custodians and Encouraging Shareholder Activism (Myners report) 4 February 2002 12 — 
			 
			 Member nominated trustees and directors 12 February 2002 4 The shorter period was needed to fit into a regulatory timetable 
			 
			 Child Poverty measures 18 April 2002 12 — 
			 
			 Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (OPRA) quinquennial review 10 May 2002 12 — 
			 
			 Residential Allowance 22 May 2002 14 — 
			 
			 Equality, opportunity, and independence for all (RRAA) 30 May 2002 17 —

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether consultation documents published by his Department in 2001 carried the consultation criteria as recommended in the Cabinet Office code of practice on written consultations.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001. From then to the end of 2001, the Department published eight consultation documents. Of these, two included the consultation criteria listed in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on written consultation. Procedures are now in place to ensure that all new consultations include this information.

Consultation

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which consultation documents published by his Department in 2001 were not made available as paper copies.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001 from the former Department of Social Security and parts of the Department for Education and Employment. All written consultations published by the Department were available as paper copies.

Benefits

Ian Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps have been taken to simplify the benefits system over each of the past three years; what steps it is proposed to take to simplify the system further; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: There will always be an element of complexity in the benefits system due to the diverse range of contingencies for which it must cater. However, we are overhauling service delivery to meet the different needs of the Department's client groups and investing in improved and modernised services that are more accurate, make better use of technology, and are simpler for people to understand and access.
	For people of working age, we are delivering this through Jobcentre Plus, building on the success of the ONE pilots in bringing together employment and benefit services at a single point of contact. Some 50 pathfinder offices opened in October 2001, and Jobcentre Plus was launched as a national organisation at the beginning of April 2002. 56 integrated Jobcentre Plus offices are now open, and we aim to roll out a further 225 between October of this year and April 2003. The 2002 spending review further advances our reform and modernisation programme by announcing the roll-out of Jobcentre Plus nationally by 2006 to deliver an enhanced work-focused service for all people of working age.
	Further steps to promote work include the introduction of the Working Tax Credit from April 2003 which extends support to low income workers without children. And the new Child Tax Credit, also from April 2003 will provide a single, seamless system of support for families.
	The new Disability and Carer Directorate operates as a discrete business within the Department, responsible for the civil rights agenda for disabled people. Through the Disability and Carers Service, it also delivers Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Invalid Care Allowance and will, over time, streamline benefits delivery and improve customer service.
	The Pension Service replaced the Benefits Agency services for pensioners from April 2002, and is working to introduce an improved service tailored to the needs of today's and future pensioners. For the first time, there is a service dedicated to the needs of pensioners and helping people understand their pension options and ways to save for their retirement. Pensioners can use The Pension Service as a gateway to other services such as Housing Benefit and Attendance Allowance.
	The Pension Service will also deliver Pension Credit from October 2003. This replaces the Minimum Income Guarantee and represents a major simplification of provision for pensioners. For example, it does away with the rules excluding pensioners with savings of £12,000 or more from receiving help and, from age 65, most pensioners will not have to report changes in income for a fixed period of five years, effectively abolishing the weekly means test.

Benefits

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what notification his Department has provided to benefit recipients about the move to automated credit transfer from April 2003; and what role Jobcentre Plus and the Pension Service will have in ensuring that all claimants are aware of the changes.

Malcolm Wicks: The department intends to conduct a customer information campaign, which will inform customers about the changes to the way we pay benefits and pensions. The campaign will begin in the run up to April 2003 when we will start to move customers to payment into bank or building society accounts so that customers have the information they need at the point of their transfer from payment by order book. The campaign will incorporate the Pension Service and Jobcentre Plus.

Benefit Fraud

Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he will take to co-ordinate activities between the Child Support Agency and the Benefits Agency to combat benefit fraud; and if he will assess the advantages of measures to deal with deliberate evasion of child support maintenance by absent parents.

Malcolm Wicks: Jobcentre Plus and the Child Support Agency (CSA) already work closely to identify and investigate benefit fraud.
	In a Child Support case where either parent is in receipt of prescribed benefits and fraud is suspected or detected, the case is referred to Jobcentre Plus to investigate. All Departmental fraud investigations (including those carried out by the CSA) are to a common standard informed by a single Professional Standards Unit established in Jobcentre Plus. All fraud structures and processes are informed by the Fraud Head of Profession in Jobcentre Plus who has the function of integrating and co-ordinating good practice.
	In January 2001 new criminal offences were introduced to the Child Support legislation. Parents who seek to avoid their child support responsibilities by lying to the Child Support Agency or refusing to provide information now face criminal proceedings. The legislation provides for a fine of up to £1000. The CSA has so far successfully prosecuted 5 non-resident parents under this legislation.
	Legislation was also introduced in April 2001 to allow the courts to consider disqualifying a non-resident parent from holding or obtaining a driving licence as an alternative to a term of imprisonment for non-payment of maintenance. The courts decide which, if either, option to use. Since April 2001 the CSA has submitted 94 cases for committal. Of these, 44 non-resident parents began paying maintenance when they learned of the possible disqualification. The courts withdrew one driving licence and imposed a suspended disqualification in three other cases.

Benefit Fraud

Terry Rooney: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action he intends to take following the second report by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate on the administration of housing benefit and council tax benefit in Kirklees Metropolitan Council.

Malcolm Wicks: Using the powers available to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in Section 139D of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, my right hon. Friend is today giving Directions to Kirklees Metropolitan Council, following the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate's second report on the Council's administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
	We are disappointed that Kirklees Metropolitan Council has been the subject of two critical reports by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate before taking action to remedy their problems with benefit administration.
	However, we are pleased that the Council is now starting to take its responsibilities seriously and that significant improvements are being made in benefit administration.
	We hope the council will look upon the Directions as a further stimulus for continuing improvement.
	A copy of the Directions has been placed in the Library.

Benefit Fraud

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the (a) total cost of benefit fraud investigations and (b) the net savings from benefit fraud investigations in each of the last five years.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 22 July 2002
	We set out our strategy for tackling fraud and error in the paper "A New Contract for Welfare: Safeguarding Social Security" (CM4276) published on 23 March 1999. The overall aim of the strategy is to have a benefit system that is secure from first claim to first payment.
	The implementation of this strategy means that an anti-fraud focus is integral to the work of the Department, as is dealing with the wider agenda of error and incorrectness in benefit payments. It is therefore not possible to account for the cost of anti-fraud work separately.
	The work of benefit fraud investigators has an important effect both through fraud detected and as a deterrent that prevents fraud happening in the first place. It is therefore not possible to provide an estimate of net savings from benefit fraud investigations. However, we know from our continuous measurement of the level of fraud and error in income support and jobseeker's allowance that by March 2001 we had achieved a reduction of 18 per cent.—almost twice the target of 10 per cent. for March 2002 and a year ahead of schedule.
	The Spending Review announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 15 July includes an increase in our existing target to reduce fraud and error in payments of income support and jobseeker's allowance. We are now committed to a 33 per cent. reduction in these payments by March 2004, as a milestone towards a 50 per cent. reduction by March 2006. And for the first time we have set a target for tackling fraud and error in housing benefit that aims for a 25 per cent. reduction by 2006.

Pension Rights

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he intends to introduce primary legislation to protect the pension rights of British citizens who have worked in Australia.

Ian McCartney: We will legislate at the earliest suitable opportunity to ensure that, for British citizens who went to live in Australia before the end of the reciprocal Social Security Agreement on 28 February 2001, any periods of residence in Australia from the start of the Agreement on 29 January 1958 up to and including 5 April 2001 will be used in the calculation of basic state pension if they return to live permanently in the United Kingdom.
	Until we can introduce primary legislation, we will continue to make extra statutory payments to such people who return to the UK on a permanent basis, if they have less than the standard rate of basic pension.

ACT

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the Government expects the installation of the hardware and software for the ACT system to commence; when the training for Post Office staff will commence; and when guidance for customers will be issued.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 22 July 2002
	Plans are progressing to put all of the necessary changes in place from April 2003.
	Training for Post Office staff is an operational matter for the Post Office, who say they are also on track for April 2003.
	The Department is currently planning an information campaign to give customers the information they need about the move to paying directly into bank/building society accounts.

Pension Credit

Michael Jabez Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners in the Hastings and Rye constituency who will benefit from (a) the guaranteed credit and (b) the savings credit when the pension credit provisions take effect in April 2003.

Ian McCartney: I regret that the information requested is not available. Pension Credit will be introduced in October 2003. The guarantee credit will ensure that no pensioner need live on less than £100 a week. The savings credit will ensure that even those with modest savings will see that it pays to have saved. On average pensioners who qualify for Pension Credit will be £400 a year better off.
	Currently in the Hastings and Rye constituency there are around 3,600 pensioners receiving the Minimum Income Guarantee. Those in receipt in October 2003 will be automatically transferred onto Pension Credit which will subsume the Minimum Income Guarantee.
	Notes:
	1. Based on a 5 per cent. sample; therefore subject to sampling variation.
	2. Figure has been rounded to the nearest 100.
	3. Parliamentary Constituency has been allocated using the relevant ONS postcode directory.
	4. Minimum Income Guarantee claimants are defined as Income Support benefit units where the claimant, and/or partner, is aged 60 and over.
	Source:
	Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, February 2002.

Age Discrimination

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the Government are doing to encourage private companies to combat age discrimination.

Ian McCartney: The Government are determined to combat age discrimination in employment, and are actively doing so under the banner of our Age Positive campaign. We are working hard to encourage companies to use non-ageist employment practices, leading up to the implementation of age legislation in 2006.
	In consultation with employers, we have produced the Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment. The Code sets the standard for non-ageist employment practices. Evaluation of the impact of the code shows that the number of companies whose policies discriminate against older people has halved, from 14 per cent. to 7 per cent., since 1999.
	Our Age Positive campaign is strongly promoting the business benefits of an age diverse work force to employers of all types. Small and medium sized companies are currently participating in our second series of 20 good-practice workshops. Age Positive awards recognise businesses that are tackling discrimination by means of non-ageist employment policies. Employers are supporting the campaign by sharing their experiences with others. These case studies are on the Age Positive website, together with the Code of Practice and other guidance. Last month we published the report 'Flexible Retirement—a snapshot of large employers' initiatives', which shows that an increasing number of companies are now adopting more flexible retirement policies.

Children (Low-income Families)

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what baseline figure is to be used in assessing progress in meeting his target of reducing the number of children living in low-income households by at least a quarter by 2004.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 22 July 2002
	The baseline used to measure this Public Service Agreement target is 1998–99 Households Below Average Income figures. This target is shared with HM Treasury. Full details of the target, its baseline and how it is measured are contained in a technical note which has been placed in the Library.
	The latest available HBAI figures for 2000–01 show that there has been a fall of 0.3 million children on the after housing costs measure and 0.4 million children on the before housing costs measure. Therefore, after a third of the way through monitoring this PSA target we are a third of the way to meeting it.

Car Allowance

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what rate of car allowance is payable to a person attending a medical or appeal board; when the rate was set; how the rate is calculated; whether there are plans to raise it; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: For people attending a medical board, the standard rate of car allowance payable is 6.5 pence per mile, which is paid towards meeting the fuel costs of customers attending for a medical examination when public transport is not available.
	The rate, which was chosen by the Department for Work and Pensions, reflected the rate in payment to its own staff, at the time it was set, where the only element of reimbursement was in respect of fuel. This decision was taken in the interests of safeguarding public resources and was intended to correct the wide variations in interpretation of previous instructions, so as to ensure that customers received the same rate of recompense regardless of where in the country they lived.
	In order to continue improving the standard of information provided to its customers, SchlumbergerSema have revised the AL1C form that provides important information about the medical examination.
	The AL1C form now states: 'if you do not travel by public transport we will make a 6.5 pence per mile contribution to fuel costs if you use a private motor vehicle'. This will enable the customer to be aware of exactly how much they will receive if they travel by car.
	The rate of car allowance payable to people attending an appeal board is set by the Appeals Service, who pay 12 pence per mile and 2 pence per mile for each additional passenger. The rate was set on 1 January 2002. It is calculated by using the average petrol costs as researched by the Automobile Association. The rate is for actual fuel costs and does not cover running costs.
	There are no immediate plans to raise the rates. However, a full review of departmental policy with regard to the reimbursement of travelling expenses to interviews, tribunals and examinations is being carried out, with the recommendations to be made later in the year.

Social Fund

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the (a) annual report on the social fund 2001–02 and (b) Social Fund Commissioner's annual report on the standard of social fund inspectors' decisions will be published.

Malcolm Wicks: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's annual report on the social fund for 2001–02 (CM 5492) was published today and has been laid before Parliament.
	The report records that gross expenditure, excluding winter fuel payments, in 2001–02 was £761.8 million. Together with expenditure on winter fuel payments of around £1.7 billion, this resulted in total gross expenditure of almost £2.5 billion. The discretionary social fund helped more people than ever before with around 2.5 million awards made. This included more than 233,000 non-repayable grants and more than 2,231,000 interest-free loans together worth £646.9 million. 42,000 funeral and 1.8 million cold weather payments totalling £53.7 million were made. More than 11 million people aged 60 or over in eight million households benefited from a winter fuel payment. In addition, 201,000 sure start maternity grants worth £61.2 million were made.
	The Social Fund Commissioner's report has also been published today and copies placed in the Library.

Pensions Policy

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to change pensions policy.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 11 July 2002, Official Report, column 1054.

Winter Fuel Payments

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answers of 12 March 2002, Official Report, column 959W, 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 242W and 17 June 2002, Official Report, column 88W, on winter fuel payments, if he has concluded his discussions with the European Commission about the extent of the United Kingdom's legal obligations under European regulations on winter fuel payments; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Wayne David) on 19 July 2002, Official Report, column 599W.

Annual Reports

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish the 2000–01 annual reports and accounts for each of his agencies.

Andrew Smith: The 2001–02 annual reports and accounts for Benefits Agency (HC 929) and Employment Service (HC 955) which ceased to operate on the 31 March 2002 and those for The Appeals Service (HC1068) and Child Support Agency (HC 894) and have been laid before Parliament today.

Employer Direct

Phil Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many employers have contacted Employer Direct since it was introduced; and what measures have been taken to ensure that this initiative meets the needs of employers.

Nick Brown: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive, Leigh Lewis. I have asked him to reply to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Leigh Lewis to Phil Sawford Esq MP, dated June 2002
	As Jobcentre Plus is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the number of employers who have contacted Employer Direct since it was introduced and the measures that have been taken to ensure that this initiative meets the needs of employers. This falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
	Since the national implementation of Employer Direct on 26 January 2002 over 700,000 calls from employers have been received and nearly 600,000 vacancies notified.
	During the development of Employer Direct there was wide ranging consultation with employers. This included the formation of a national group of employers in addition to discussion and liaison at local level.
	In addition to taking employers' views in the development and roll out of Employer Direct we seek feedback from employers as a matter of course whenever they use the Employer Direct service.
	I hope this is helpful.

Specialist Training

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance and specialist training is given to staff in benefits offices and jobcentres in dealing with people with learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive, Leigh Lewis. I have asked him to reply to the hon. Member.

Benefit Information (Pilot Schemes)

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what pilot schemes he will run to ensure that information and procedures given to benefit recipients will have been fully tested prior to the April 2003 deadline; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: There will be a phased introduction of different benefit types and customer volumes. This is aimed at reducing risk and operational complexity during the early part of the conversion period and will also be a way to test conversion processes and the information to be given to customers to ensure that it meets their needs.

Benefits Data

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals' personal data have been processed in data matching exercises in connection with benefit fraud; how many cases were identified as part of that data matching exercise as being possible cases of benefit fraud requiring further investigation; how many cases after investigation were deemed likely to be fraudulent; how many cases were prosecuted; what the total costs were of all data matching exercises, including staff and computer costs; and what the estimated total savings to the public purse are and the multiplier used in this calculation.

Malcolm Wicks: Data-matching is a powerful tool in the detection of fraud and incorrectness in the benefit system. The Department's Matching Intelligence Data Analysis Service (MIDAS) operates the Generalised Matching Service (GMS) for benefits administered by the Department, and the Housing Benefit Matching Service (HBMS) for housing benefit and council tax benefit which are administered by local authorities.
	The data-matching process involves data extracts being taken from the Department's main benefit computer systems and local authority benefit systems which are matched against each other using data matching "rules" to identify discrepancies between the data sets. Such discrepancies are then referred for local investigation. Legislation also provides for personal data held by other Government Departments to be matched against departmental and local authority data to identify discrepancies.
	It is not possible to say how many individuals' personal data have been processed in data-matching exercises because each individual's details may be held on several systems at the same time.
	Information on the overall cost of conducting data- matching exercises and investigating discrepancies is not available.
	The available information on the results from GMS and HBMS data-matching operations is in the tables.
	
		General Matching Service
		
			  1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Referrals issued 62,937 85,071 137,307 139,292 217,039 234,671 167,950 
			 Positive results(28) (29)— (29)— (29)— (29)— 67,121 86,598 83,742 
			 Successful prosecutions (29)— (29)— (29)— (29)— 63 844 952 
			 Cautions and administrative penalties (29)— (29)— (29)— (29)— 288 2,417 2,497 
			 Total overpayments(30) (£ million) (29)— (29)— (29)— (29)— 35.0 59.5 65.5 
			 Total negative monetary value adjustment(31) (£ million) (29)— (29)— (29)— (29)— 1.9 2.5 3.0 
		
	
	
		Housing Benefit Matching Service(32)
		
			  Up to 1998 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Referrals issued 25,940 49,084 65,143 86,006 78,144 
			 Positive results(28) (29)— (29)— (29)— 29,037 32,243 
			 Successful prosecutions (29)— 75 208 392 319 
			 Total overpayments(30) (£ million) 3.4 10.6 18.6 37.2 36.8 
			 Weekly benefit savings x 32 weeks (£ million) 4.3 12.9 17.8 22.2 21.8 
		
	
	(28) Cases where, following investigation, there was an increase or decrease in the rate of benefit because of fraud, customer error or official error.
	(29) Information is not available.
	(30) Arising from fraud, customer error or official error.
	(31) Monetary Value Adjustment (MVA) is the difference between the weekly amount of benefit that would have been paid, or would have continued to be paid, and the benefit paid following the decision-maker's decision on the information gathered. MVA was introduced during the 1999–2000 financial year. Prior to the GMS recorded a Weekly Benefit Savings (WBS) figure that used a multiplier of 32 weeks. This method of recording savings was used by HBMS until 31 March 2002, after which it began to use MVA. Separate GMS figures for WBS and overpayments prior to 1999–2000 are not available.
	(32) HBMS does not record sanctions information.
	Source:
	Matching Intelligence Detection Analysis Services management information.

Press Office

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) full time equivalents were employed by his press office and (b) secondees were placed in his press office in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: holding answer 22 July 2002
	The Department for Work and Pensions was formed on 8 June 2001 from parts of the former Department of Social Security, parts of the former Department for Education and Employment and the Employment service,
	The Department for Work and Pensions currently employs 21 full time press officers. No secondees have been placed in the press office.

Council Tax

Iain Coleman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to analyse the potential effects of council tax revaluation on the levels of council tax benefit restriction; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: Council Tax revaluation will start in 2005 and Council Tax bills based on updated property values will be issued in 2007. Nearer the time, when the implications of Council Tax revaluation become clear, we will consider what impact this may have on Council Tax Benefit restrictions.

Council Tax

Iain Coleman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what the annual saving has been to the Exchequer since the council tax benefit restriction scheme was introduced;
	(2)  what average cost was borne by each restricted household in (a) band F, (b) band G and (c) band H in (i) England and (ii) each Government office region, in the most recent year for which figures are available;
	(3)  how many council tax benefit cases there were in (a) band F, (b) band G and (c) band H in (i) England and (ii) each Government office region in the most recent year for which figures are available;
	(4)  how many and what percentage of council tax benefit claims restricted to band E are (a) owner occupied and (b) rented in (i) England and (ii) each Government office region;
	(5)  how many and what percentage of council tax benefit cases are (a) owner occupied and (b) rented in (i) England and (ii) each Government office region;
	(6)  how many and what percentage of council tax benefit claims were restricted to band E for (a) all properties, (b) RSLs and (c) local authority properties in (i) England and (ii) each Government office region in the most recent year for which figures are available;
	(7)  how many restricted council tax benefit cases there were in (a) band F, (b) band G and (c) band H for (i) England and (ii) each Government office region in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Malcolm Wicks: We do not believe it is right that people living in more expensive properties and who therefore have a higher council tax liability, should, as a matter of course, have all that liability met by taxpayers.
	Since 2 July 2001, local authorities have been able to make discretionary housing payments to people entitled to housing benefit and council tax benefit who require additional help with their rent or council tax, including those people whose council tax benefit has been restricted. These payments are at the discretion of the local authority and subject to an annual cash limit. For 2002–03, the Government are contributing £20 million nationally towards the overall limit of £50 million which local authorities can spend.
	Comparative data from which to calculate the actual reduction in spending since the restrictions were introduced in April 1998, are not available.
	Such other information as is available has been placed in the Library.

Disability Discrimination Act

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the impact on the disabled of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Maria Eagle: The Department has commissioned a number of research studies that examine how the Disability Discrimination Act is having an impact on disabled people. Some have yet to report but it is clear that the number of cases being taken under the DDA is increasing, demonstrating that disabled people are making use of their rights 1 . A body of case law is being developed, which will help disabled people to understand the practical application of the law to their own circumstances. There is also evidence that employers are changing their policies and practices with an increase in the number of employers with policies on the employment of disabled people since the Act's introduction in 1996 2 .
	1 Leverton, S. (2002) Monitoring the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Phase 2), DWP in-house report 91. This is a follow-up study to research commissioned by DfEE: Meager et al. (1999) Monitoring the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, DfEE Research Report RR119).
	2 Golstone, C. (2002) Barriers to Employment for Disabled People, DWP In-House Report 95.

Pensioners

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people reached state pension age in each of the last five years; and how many people are expected to do so in each of the next five years.

Ian McCartney: The available information is set out in the table.
	
		
			  Number of women aged 60 and the number of men aged 65 
		
		
			 1997 540,000 
			 1998 540,000 
			 1999 540,000 
			 2000 550,000 
			 2001 530,000 
			 2002 560,000 
			 2003 590,000 
			 2004 610,000 
			 2005 600,000 
			 2006 590,000 
			 2007 710,000 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Information is taken from the Government Actuary's Department population statistics.
	2. The figures are based on people reaching age 60–65 in a particular year.
	3. The total number of people is rounded to the nearest 10,000.

Pensions Advice

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research has been undertaken into the preferred methods by pensioners of accessing pensions advice; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: A number of research projects have been undertaken by the Department and other organisations looking at pensioners' preferred methods of obtaining advice and of claiming pensions and benefits. The research published by the Department is listed below and copies of the reports are available in the Library.
	In 2001 the Department commissioned BMRB International to carry out a large scale survey of peoples' attitudes to electronic methods of conducting benefits business. The survey topics include pensioners' current and preferred methods of applying for benefits and pensions. Findings from the research will be published in the autumn.
	Bunt K., Adams L. and Vivian D. (2000) Evaluation of the Pension Power For You Helpline, DSS Research report No. 121, CDS, Leeds
	Bunt K., Adams L. and Vivian D. (2000) The Pension Power For You Helpline: Final report, DSS In-house report No.70
	Chang, D., Spicer, N., Irving, A., Sparham, I. and Neeve, L. (2001), The Better Government For Older People Prototypes, DSS Research report No. 136, CDS, Leeds
	Rose, T. (1999) Modernising Service Delivery: The Integrated Services Prototype. DSS Research report 104, Corporate Document Services, Leeds Stafford, B., Kellard, K. and Horsley, E. (1997) Customer Contact with the Benefits Agency DSS Research report 65, Corporate Document Services, Leeds.

Overseas Visits

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the overseas trips on departmental business that have been undertaken in each of the last five years by officials in his Department; and what the (a) cost, (b) purpose and (c) result was in each case.

Ian McCartney: All overseas travel by officials in the Department is undertaken in accordance with the principles set out in chapter 8 of the Civil Service Management Code, and the detailed rules and guidance set out in the Departmental Business Travel and Relocation Expenses Guide. The detailed information requested about individual trips is not held centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Asylum Seekers

Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision is planned for HIV- positive mothers in the new asylum seekers accommodation centres.

Beverley Hughes: HIV positive mothers in accommodation centres will be advised not to breast-feed. We will ensure that safe alternatives to breast milk are available for HIV-infected mothers with young babies, and that these can be accessed in a way that preserves their privacy.

Asylum Seekers

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend the employment concession for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: The asylum system is working increasingly quickly, through reforms and increased resources. Measures in the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill will continue this process. This means that the employment concession, whereby asylum seekers could apply for permission to work if their application remained outstanding for longer than six months without a decision being made, is becoming increasingly irrelevant. The vast majority—around 80 per cent. of asylum seekers—receive a decision within six months, and work is continuing to improve that further. An increasingly small number of people, therefore, are entitled to apply for the concession. It is also the case that the great majority of new asylum applicants will have their cases decided within two months and the concession, which dates from a time when lengthy delays were widespread in the asylum system, is therefore no longer appropriate.
	I am determined to make it clear that there is a distinct separation between asylum processes and labour migration channels. It is essential that we have a robust asylum process that works effectively and swiftly in the interests of refugees, and also is not open to abuse by those who would seek to come here to work. But that does not mean we are 'fortress Britain'. The Government are putting in place an effective managed migration programme and continues to create a number of work routes to allow more people to come and work here legally in ways which boost our economy. For example, the Government have overhauled the work permits system and the number of work permits issued has doubled over the past two years—in 2001 we issued work permits to nearly 140,000 people. Other entry routes for people who want to work in the United Kingdom include the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, the Working Holidaymakers Scheme (under which nearly 40,000 Commonwealth young people a year come to the United Kingdom for a working holiday) and the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (which brings in nearly 20,000 seasonal workers a year). In addition, the Government are currently consulting on schemes to bring in more temporary workers in industries with recruitment difficulties.
	Those who are granted refugee status can work immediately, and we welcome the enormous contribution that the skills and knowledge of refugees can make to our society and to our economy. However, our asylum system exists to help those fleeing persecution—those who want to come here to work must do so through the various economic routes available rather than abuse the asylum system.
	I have therefore decided, with immediate effect, that the concession should be abolished. Asylum seekers who already have permission to work will retain that right until such time as a final decision is made on their claim. Asylum seekers who, prior to this announcement, had sought permission to work but have not had a response, will have their requests considered in line with our previous policy. I will retain a discretion to grant permission to work for asylum seekers in exceptional cases.
	It is absolutely vital, of course, that all asylum seekers use their time constructively while their case is considered. Therefore, I have also decided to review our current rules governing the voluntary work which asylum seekers can undertake, in order to ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers to participation.
	To demonstrate our on-going commitment to purposeful activity for asylum seekers, we have also awarded over £900,000 to 135 projects across the United Kingdom for summer programmes to give them the opportunity to get involved in voluntary activities in the community, or partake in sports-orientated and educational events.

Asylum Seekers

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives his officials as to the acceptable time within which a decision is notified to asylum seekers after interview.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 18 July 2002
	The Government's target in 2002–03 is for officials in the Integrated Casework Directorate of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate to make and serve decisions within two months from the date of application in 65 per cent. of new substantive asylum claims. Against that target the aim is to notify decisions as soon after interview as full consideration of the individual merits of each case can take place.

Asylum Seekers

Anne Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the length of time set by him an applicant for indefinite leave to remain in the UK should normally be required to wait for their application to be considered; and what information about the progress of the application is provided to the applicant during this period.

Beverley Hughes: We aim to decide straightforward general immigration applications, which can include those for indefinite leave to remain, on initial consideration within three weeks. At present such applicants are taking on average around four weeks to decide but we are working to reduce this to three weeks as soon as possible. Some applications that need more detailed consideration of further inquiries are, at present, taking up to 12 months to consider due to the large number of cases currently in the system.
	All applications are acknowledged within two weeks of receipt which includes advice as to the likely time scale for initial consideration. If the application cannot be completed on initial consideration a further letter is sent advising the likely time scale for considering such cases.

Asylum Seekers

Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the maternity grant is available to asylum seekers who are mothers living in emergency accommodation.

Beverley Hughes: Asylum seekers in emergency accommodation are provided with temporary support under section 98 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (the 1999 Act). Asylum seeking mothers in emergency accommodation are not eligible to receive a maternity grant because this is available only to asylum seekers assessed as eligible to receive support and in receipt of support under section 95 of the 1999 Act. Asylum seekers in emergency accommodation who give birth to a baby are provided with a pack of items to enable them to meet the needs of their baby.

Asylum Removals Centres

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are included which take into account the proximity of schools, housing estates, industrial and regeneration sites in respect of asylum removals centres.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 22 July 2002
	When examining individual sites differing criteria are used, dependant upon our requirements. These will be specific to a particular site or project.

National Asylum Support Service

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 9 May 2002, Official Report, column 329W, on the National Asylum Support Service, what the average time taken by NASS to respond to correspondence from (a) supported asylum seekers and (b) their representatives is.

Beverley Hughes: The Operations Section of the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) is responsible for determining applications for support and answering correspondence about the support offered. All correspondence received within the Operations Section of NASS—currently in excess of 4,000 pieces per week—is subject to a target for completion. Targets are applied across the board—there is no distinction between correspondence received from an asylum seeker or a third party.
	Targets for response depend on the nature of the correspondence. Correspondence which can be fast tracked will receive meaningful action within three working days. Correspondence raising complex issues will receive meaningful action within 10 working days. For example, an application for a single additional payment will be assessed within three working days of receipt and the applicant is notified of the outcome at this stage. Any payment approved will be included in the support applicant's regular payment within three weeks of the application being made.
	All targets are monitored to ensure compliance and any backlog is addressed to avoid unnecessary delay.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the annual report for 2001–02 of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's independent Complaints Audit Committee; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: A copy of the report has been placed in the Library and will be placed on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate website. It is a useful and informative document, and I am grateful to the Committee for its comments and its recommendations. I am currently considering how best to implement the recommendations.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the mandate of the Committee for the implementation of the programme of training, exchanges and co-operation in the field of asylum, immigration and crossing of external borders (Odysseus) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: The Odysseus Committee assisted the European Commission in the management and implementation of a programme to co-fund projects to promote co-operation in matters of asylum, immigration, the crossing of external borders and the security of identity documents. The programme expired on 31 March 2002.
	The Odysseus Committee met once a year to discuss the proposed bids for funding and agree the allocation of funds to successful projects. One of the first projects to receive such funding was a seminar held at the Civil Service College in Sunningdale in 1998 on combating illegal immigration.
	The United Kingdom was represented on the Committee by a Home Office official and an official from the United Kingdom Permanent Representation in Brussels.
	The Odysseus programme was funded by the European Community budget and travel costs to attend Committee meetings were met by the European Commission. However, the Home Office paid a subsistence allowance to cover attendance at a Committee meeting.
	The European Commission was required to prepare an annual report on the implementation of the Odysseus programme and is currently preparing the report for its final year. This will be sent to the European Parliament and Council, and will be published on the EUROPA internet website. I did not see a need for further measures to increase the Committee's accountability and transparency during its lifetime.
	The Odysseus programme is to be replaced by a new funding programme for co-operation in the fields of external borders, visas, asylum and immigration to be known as ARGO.

Deportees

Julie Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in jails in the UK have been deported to the US to face charges that could result in the death penalty in that country in each of the last five years.

Bob Ainsworth: None. Our policy is in accordance with the Sixth Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights, and with the provisions of the Extradition Act 1989. We do not extradite any persons to a jurisdiction where the offence for which they could be tried, or for which they have been tried, carries the death penalty, unless sufficient assurances are provided by the requesting state that the death penalty will not be imposed, or if imposed, will not be carried out.

Accommodation Centres

Julie Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the per capita cost of education provision in accommodation centres.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 19 July 2002
	We are in the process of running a competition for the delivery of accommodation centres. Information about costs is commercially confidential.

Police

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average length of service was for a (a) policewoman and (b) policeman in England and Wales in the latest year for which figures are available.

John Denham: The latest figures available are for March 2000 and they are set out in the table.
	The lower average length of service for women officers in part reflects the increase in recent years in the number and proportion of women in the police service from 14,496 female officers (11.6 per cent. of strength) in 1990 to 21,800 (17.4 per cent. of strength) by September 2001.
	However, the rate of voluntary resignation by women is higher than the rate for men and this also contributes to the shorter average length of service.
	As part of the Dismantling Barriers initiative, we have asked forces to carry out externally audited exit interviews with departing staff to build a picture of why those leaving have decided to do so, and identify where changes might help retain staff.
	We are liaising with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Work/Life Balance Team to determine how the Home Office can assist forces in using flexible working.
	A research project into the retention of policy officers is under way, to inform the development of effective and practical approaches by forces to improve the retention of police officers. The focus of the research is on those forces identified as having high or increasing levels of resignations and among those groups of officers (including women officers) that have disproportionately high levels of resignations.
	
		Mean average length of service in years for female and male police officers March 2000(33),(34)
		
			  Mean 
		
		
			 Female officers (0–30 years' service only(35)) 9.7 
			 All female officers (includes over 30 years' service(35)) 9.7 
			
			 Male officers (0–30 years' service only(35)) 14.6 
			 All male officers (includes over 30 years' service(35)) 15.0 
		
	
	(33) Source—Dismantling Barriers monitoring return March 2002.
	(34) Individual officers' length of service is not available centrally. These figures are calculated from aggregate returns showing the total number of officers in each year of service and are therefore approximate.
	(35) Two figures are shown. The standard period of service 30 years, although some officers elect to serve beyond this, with the agreement of their chief constable. The first figure is therefore the average for officers who have 0–30 years' service. The second figure includes officers who have over 30 years' service. There are very few female officers with over 30 years' service, so the average length of service does not increase if they are included, where it does for male officers.

Police

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contingency plans he has in place should the police work to rule, ban overtime or strike.

John Denham: Police officers do not have the right to strike. Under section 91 of the Police Act 1996, it is a criminal offence for anyone to cause disaffection among police officers or to induce any police officer to withhold his services. Police officers are under a duty to carry out all lawful orders, so would have to work overtime if required to do so.
	On 9 May, we reached agreement in the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) on a package of reforms to police pay and conditions of service. PNB is the statutory negotiating body for police pay and conditions of service, on which all the main police organisations are represented, including the Police Federation, the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities. The PNB was, in part, set up to compensate for police officers not having the right to strike. Due process was followed throughout the negotiations leading up to the Agreement on 9 May.

Police Retention

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 12 February 2001, Official Report, column 299W, on police retention, what proportion of police officers retired from each force in each year since 1997 (a) on medical grounds (b) at normal retirement age and (c) on other grounds; and what the net change was as a proportion of each force in each year since 1997.

John Denham: holding answer 27 February 2002
	The figures given in the answer of 12 February 2001, were those collected by the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate (RDS) and published as Police Personnel Statistics. For the purpose of these statistics, wastage is collected on a headcount basis (ie the number of persons) in the following categories: retirements, resignations and other. The statistics do not distinguish between medical and other retirements.
	In addition to the information collected by RDS, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) collects information annually about wastage from the police service broken down into the following categories:
	Dismissals from force (including requirements to resign)
	Voluntary resignations
	Medical retirements
	Ordinary retirements
	Transfers from force
	Deaths.
	Forces are asked to provide these figures on a full-time equivalent basis, not on a headcount basis. HMIC's information has been used to provide the figures in a table for the numbers and proportion of medical and ordinary retirements and other leavers (excluding transfers), a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Information for 2001–02 will not be available until later in the year.
	As the statistics collected by HMIC are gathered on a different basis from those collected twice a year by RDS, information from the two sources cannot be reconciled directly. We are aware of the inconsistent basis between the two sets of figures and established a task force to consider these issues. The task force report was issued for consultation on 18 December 2001. The report of the task force proposes a comprehensive revision to the current requirements on police personnel statistics. Following consultation with the police service we will implement the necessary changes from September 2002.

Police Firearms

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the most recent statistics are for the police use of firearms.

John Denham: The statistics for April 2000 to March 2001 show that the number of police operations in which firearms were issued was 11,109. The number of occasions on which firearms were discharged by police increased to nine.
	There was a small decrease in the number of operations in which armed response vehicles were deployed.
	Full details are set out in the tables:
	
		Number of operations in which firearms were authorised
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 139 88 90 65 
			 Bedfordshire 323 260 190 294 
			 Cambridgeshire 96 43 75 71 
			 Cheshire 216 29 386 545 
			 Cleveland 103 35 76 28 
			 City of London 307 147 125 3 
			 Cumbria 68 52 24 30 
			 Derbyshire 147 176 178 167 
			 Devon and Cornwall 133 61 65 151 
			 Dorset 54 69 79 174 
			 Durham 103 114 114 40 
			 Essex 505 590 497 435 
			 Gloucestershire 51 52 52 48 
			 Greater Manchester 165 160 224 357 
			
			 Hampshire 217 129 103 114 
			 Hertfordshire 82 75 73 86 
			 Humberside 472 317 193 158 
			 Kent 423 92 85 83 
			 Lancashire 338 616 267 242 
			 Leicestershire 89 109 222 217 
			 Lincolnshire 52 57 155 336 
			 Merseyside 675 484 489 825 
			 Metropolitan 2,578 2,742 2,862 1,862 
			 Norfolk 128 185 239 226 
			 Northamptonshire 77 51 57 58 
			 Northumbria 823 683 465 708 
			 North Yorkshire 102 69 61 72 
			 Nottinghamshire 306 266 255 233 
			 South Yorkshire 302 135 237 127 
			 Staffordshire 240 209 174 203 
			 Suffolk 193 174 165 176 
			 Surrey 87 60 143 221 
			 Sussex 330 123 185 353 
			 Thames Valley 227 158 110 153 
			 Warwickshire 152 291 194 233 
			 West Mercia 132 130 110 36 
			 West Midlands 227 305 362 485 
			 West Yorkshire 630 662 813 822 
			 Wiltshire 26 24 19 66 
			 Dyfed Powys 27 38 37 18 
			 Gwent 86 64 39 30 
			 North Wales 310 386 371 195 
			 South Wales 101 148 255 363 
			 Total 11,842 10,928 10,915 11,109 
		
	
	
		Number of authorised firearms officers (AFOs)
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 161 153 150 135 
			 Bedfordshire 42 50 46 45 
			 Cambridgeshire 80 80 77 73 
			 Cheshire 82 70 75 74 
			 Cleveland 84 78 80 75 
			 City of London 81 55 73 74 
			 Cumbria 122 98 98 94 
			 Derbyshire 100 87 77 81 
			 Devon and Cornwall 147 82 119 100 
			 Dorset 72 72 66 67 
			 Durham 144 96 101 101 
			 Essex 217 235 228 195 
			 Gloucestershire 84 79 77 72 
			 Greater Manchester 182 217 218 240 
			 Hampshire 112 110 111 100 
			 Hertfordshire 41 43 52 44 
			 Humberside 102 102 97 102 
			 Kent 150 130 136 136 
			 Lancashire 125 132 143 132 
			 Leicestershire 94 90 90 85 
			 Lincolnshire 85 75 78 80 
			 Merseyside 165 121 96 103 
			 Metropolitan 1,971 1,951 1,977 1,940 
			 Norfolk 102 109 110 114 
			 Northamptonshire 92 92 75 77 
			 Northumbria 126 123 114 109 
			 North Yorkshire 95 83 59 66 
			 Nottinghamshire 129 120 116 137 
			 South Yorkshire 108 90 100 98 
			 Staffordshire 86 92 81 67 
			 Suffolk 96 101 98 90 
			 Surrey 61 69 71 72 
			 Sussex 146 156 131 118 
			 Thames Valley 194 179 187 185 
			 Warwickshire 38 44 54 45 
			 West Mercia 159 139 129 130 
			 West Midlands 95 92 93 83 
			 West Yorkshire 114 128 110 117 
			 Wiltshire 105 88 89 71 
			 Dyfed Powys 71 67 65 61 
			 Gwent 59 64 68 66 
			 North Wales 90 97 92 67 
			 South Wales 176 169 155 143 
			 Total 6,585 6,308 6,262 6,064 
		
	
	
		Number of operations involving armed response vehicles (ARVs)
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 121 83 78 56 
			 Bedfordshire 285 240 172 253 
			 Cambridgeshire 19 27 54 36 
			 Cheshire 166 247 330 441 
			 Cleveland (36)57 29 25 16 
			 City of London 34 32 24 30 
			 Cumbria 43 38 21 27 
			 Derbyshire 99 153 167 152 
			 Devon and Cornwall 58 43 52 121 
			 Dorset 50 66 69 155 
			 Durham 85 84 67 31 
			 Essex 180 285 244 206 
			 Gloucestershire 48 49 44 39 
			 Greater Manchester 56 43 173 302 
			 Hampshire 170 114 90 84 
			 Hertfordshire 25 26 44 65 
			 Humberside 437 277 181 136 
			 Kent 212 74 58 64 
			 Lancashire 321 596 250 177 
			 Leicestershire 68 109 144 195 
			 Lincolnshire 34 42 141 324 
			 Merseyside 559 396 466 75 
			 Metropolitan 954 1,573 1,812 1,380 
			 Norfolk 117 167 210 192 
			 Northamptonshire 29 32 21 35 
			 Northumbria 515 503 397 655 
			 North Yorkshire 52 30 40 54 
			 Nottinghamshire (36)256 246 232 207 
			 South Yorkshire 252 115 214 103 
			 Staffordshire 206 185 131 136 
			 Suffolk 135 104 101 103 
			 Surrey 76 46 110 192 
			 Sussex 284 (36)0 172 245 
			 Thames Valley 184 139 108 108 
			 Warwickshire 127 220 158 194 
			 West Mercia 98 99 98 26 
			 West Midlands 102 129 138 243 
			 West Yorkshire 586 630 787 785 
			 Wiltshire 21 17 15 48 
			 Dyfed Powys 19 30 37 18 
			
			 Gwent 47 39 27 17 
			 North Wales 260 298 354 155 
			 South Wales 97 136 220 298 
			 Total 7,544 7,791 8,276 8,179 
		
	
	(36) These forces have changed the counting method for incidents to which ARVs are deployed.

Police Vacancies

Virginia Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which 10 police authorities have (a) the highest and (b) the lowest number of vacancies for police officers; and how many officers were involved in each case.

John Denham: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Metropolitan Police

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many, and what proportion, of employees of the Metropolitan Police were off sick on average on each day in the last month for which figures are available; how many and what proportion of those (a) were absent on self-certification or without authorisation, (b) were on sick leave of less than a week, (c) were on sick leave of more than one week and less than one month, (d) were on sick leave of more than one month and (e) were on leave as a result of injuries sustained while on duty.

John Denham: holding answer 18 March 2002
	I understand from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police that the available figures for April 2002 are as follows:
	
		
			  Police officers Percentage of all police officers Civilian support staff and traffic wardens Percentage of all civilian support staff etc.  All staff Percentage of all staff 
		
		
			 Average daily number of working days lost to sickness absence 710.5 2.7 328.4 2.9 1038.9 2.7 
			 Number of staff who took self-certificated sick leave 1,827 6.9 128.5 11.5 3,112 8.2 
			 Number of staff on sick leave for less than seven days 1,872 7.0 1,488 13.3 3,360 8.9 
			 Number of employees on sick leave for seven or more days 974 3.7 429 3.8 1,403 3.7 
			 Number of employees on sick leave as a result of injury on duty 273 1.0 22 0.2 295 0.8

Police Officers

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of police officers accepted into the Metropolitan Police in each year from 1997 have minor criminal records.

John Denham: holding answer 29 January 2002
	I am informed by the Commissioner that no central record of this information is held by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).
	The MPS follow the Home Office National Recruitment Standards on criminal convictions, agreed with the Police Service and issued in October 2001.
	Applicants who have been convicted or cautioned may still be eligible for appointment, depending on the nature and circumstances of their offence.
	Minor offences which would not lead to automatic rejection of an application include, for example failing to have a current television licence or MoT certificate.

West Midlands Police

John Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the prospects of West Midlands police receiving regional allowance;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the extent in the last five years to which police forces have trained police officers and then have lost them by transfer to neighbouring police forces, with particular reference to the West Midlands; and if he will make a statement on measures to prevent this happening.

John Denham: Figures for the number of officers leaving police forces on transfer are collected annually by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC). In 2000–01, the latest full year for which figures are available, the total number of officers leaving forces in England and Wales on transfer was 1,189 or one per cent. of the police strength.
	The figures collected by HMIC do not distinguish between officers who transfer soon after completion of initial training and those who transfer later in their career. Nor do the figures identify how many of the officers transferring have transferred between forces on previous occasions.
	In the case of West Midlands police, that between April 2000 and March 2001, 59 officers left the force on transfer. This represented 0.8 per cent. in fall of force strength at the start of the year, a little below the overall rate from England and Wales.
	The number of officers transferring between forces remains small. It is healthy for there to be an interchange of experience between police forces and I do not intend to prevent transfers.
	Of course, the number of transfers from a force may present a problem if those transferring leave predominantly from particular areas or specialisms, or if the number leaving is not offset by transfers in. We are presently conducting research into the reasons why officers resign from the police service or choose to transfer from one force to another. The findings of this research will help forces decide on which measures to implement in order to encourage officers to stay in the service, or in a particular force.
	It is for the Home Secretary to determine police pay and allowances. In doing so, he is required to take into account any recommendation by the Police Negotiating Board (PNB). It would, therefore, be for PNB to consider in the first instance the case for a regional allowance for officers in the West Midlands. In 2001, the PNB failed to reach agreement on a Staff Side claim for a regional allowance for all police forces. The matter was then referred to the Police Arbitration Tribunal (PAT). The PAT rejected the Staff Side claim and decided that there was no evidence of a significant nationwide recruitment problem for the police service.
	
		
			   Strength as at 31 March  
			 Force 1997 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 2,989 2,976 2,999 2,934 
			 Bedfordshire 1,094 1,079 1,041 1,028 
			 Cambridgeshire 1,302 1,291 1,274 1,237 
			 Cheshire 2,046 2,042 2,071 2,011 
			 City of London 859 825 778 732 
			 Cleveland 1,459 1,483 1,416 1,404 
			 Cumbria 1,144 1,164 1,126 1,084 
			 Derbyshire 1,791 1,772 1,759 1,777 
			 Devon and Cornwall 2,865 2,962 2,887 2,841 
			 Dorset 1,284 1,310 1,279 1,306 
			 Durham 1,461 1,515 1,568 1,558 
			 Dyfed-Powys 1,005 1,002 1,026 1,040 
			 Essex 2,961 2,928 2,891 2,806 
			 Gloucestershire 1,133 1,104 1,104 1,114 
			 Greater Manchester 6,922 6,949 6,810 6,795 
			 Gwent 1,243 1,233 1,247 1,264 
			 Hampshire 3,452 3,490 3,473 3,419 
			 Hertfordshire 1,759 1,740 1,724 1,767 
			 Humberside 2,045 2,021 1,974 1,932 
			
			 Kent 3,260 3,251 3,201 3,204 
			 Lancashire 3,247 3,257 3,245 3,179 
			 Leicestershire 1,949 1,983 1,993 1,993 
			 Lincolnshire 1,196 1,191 1,140 1,115 
			 Merseyside 4,230 4,216 4,211 4,085 
			 Metropolitan police 26,677 26,094 26,073 25,485 
			 Norfolk 1,432 1,430 1,381 1,381 
			 North Wales 1,369 1,396 1,391 1,403 
			 North Yorkshire 1,338 1,367 1,337 1,283 
			 Northamptonshire 1,177 1,169 1,137 1,117 
			 Northumbria 3,677 3,769 3,840 3,788 
			 Nottinghamshire 2,323 2,323 2,225 2,204 
			 South Wales 2,976 2,986 2,981 2,926 
			 South Yorkshire 3,159 3,182 3,168 3,163 
			 Staffordshire 2,211 2,292 2,238 2,170 
			 Suffolk 1,180 1,186 1,190 1,146 
			 Surrey 1,620 1,608 1,662 1,785 
			 Sussex 3,085 3,038 2,847 2,822 
			 Thames Valley 3,695 3,776 3,748 3,740 
			 Warwickshire 926 924 908 900 
			 West Mercia 2,040 2,010 2,025 1,887 
			 West Midlands 7,113 7,156 7,321 7,195 
			 West Yorkshire 5,209 5,155 4,982 4,822 
			 Wiltshire 1,154 1,156 1,151 1,118 
			  
			 Total 125,051 124,756 123,841 121,956 
		
	
	
		
			  Transfers  
			 Force 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 6 5 16 25 
			 Bedfordshire 7 1 5 21 
			 Cambridgeshire 9 3 6 12 
			 Cheshire 8 5 4 6 
			 City of London 19 13 13 18 
			 Cleveland 6 6 1 4 
			 Cumbria 3 4 6 10 
			 Derbyshire 4 0 6 5 
			 Devon and Cornwall 6 8 8 7 
			 Dorset 2 0 3 9 
			 Durham 8 3 3 5 
			 Dyfed-Powys 10 2 5 9 
			 Essex 10 6 10 25 
			 Gloucestershire 3 1 3 6 
			 Greater Manchester 26 13 15 28 
			 Gwent 6 3 3 5 
			 Hampshire 13 12 20 24 
			 Hertfordshire 16 23 23 43 
			 Humberside 8 5 5 18 
			 Kent 17 11 12 26 
			 Lancashire 4 10 7 7 
			 Leicestershire 9 6 13 27 
			 Lincolnshire 7 1 5 6 
			 Merseyside 17 16 10 14 
			 Metropolitan police 240 234 244 382 
			 Norfolk 5 5 2 6 
			 North Wales 0 5 5 2 
			 North Yorkshire 5 5 5 5 
			 Northamptonshire 14 3 2 10 
			 Northumbria 13 7 9 5 
			 Nottinghamshire 11 13 10 6 
			 South Wales 1 6 11 3 
			 South Yorkshire 12 10 8 4 
			 Staffordshire 13 5 2 9 
			 Suffolk 1 5 5 11 
			 Surrey 32 11 18 171 
			 Sussex 14 13 21 31 
			 Thames Valley 28 10 26 80 
			 Warwickshire 6 7 2 8 
			 West Mercia 6 5 6 6 
			 West Midlands 43 47 42 59 
			 West Yorkshire 14 11 15 19 
			 Wiltshire 9 1 7 12 
			 Total 691 560 642 1,189 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage of loss  
			 Force 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.9 
			 Bedfordshire 0.6 0.1 0.5 2.0 
			 Cambridgeshire 0.7 0.2 0.5 1.0 
			 Cheshire 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.3 
			 City of London 2.2 1.6 1.7 2.5 
			 Cleveland 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.3 
			 Cumbria 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.9 
			 Derbyshire 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.3 
			 Devon and Cornwall 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 
			 Dorset 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.7 
			 Durham 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.3 
			 Dyfed-Powys 1.0 0.2 0.5 0.9 
			 Essex 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.9 
			 Gloucestershire 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.5 
			 Greater Manchester 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.4 
			 Gwent 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.4 
			 Hampshire 0.4 0.3 0.6 0.7 
			 Hertfordshire 0.9 1.3 1.3 2.4 
			 Humberside 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.9 
			 Kent 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.8 
			 Lancashire 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.2 
			 Leicestershire 0.5 0.3 0.7 1.4 
			 Lincolnshire 0.6 0.1 0.4 0.5 
			 Merseyside 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.3 
			 Metropolitan police 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.5 
			 Norfolk 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.4 
			 North Wales 0.0 0.4 0.4 0.1 
			 North Yorkshire 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 
			 Northamptonshire 1.2 0.3 0.2 0.9 
			 Northumbria 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.1 
			 Nottinghamshire 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.3 
			 South Wales 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.1 
			 South Yorkshire 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.1 
			 Staffordshire 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.4 
			 Suffolk 0.1 0.4 0.4 1.0 
			 Surrey 2.0 0.7 1.1 9.6 
			 Sussex 0.5 0.4 0.7 1.1 
			 Thames Valley 0.8 0.3 0.7 2.1 
			 Warwickshire 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.9 
			 West Mercia 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 
			 West Midlands 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.8 
			 West Yorkshire 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.4 
			 Wiltshire 0.8 0.1 0.6 1.1 
			 Total 0.6 0.4 0.5 1.0

Police Sick Leave

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many days of sick leave were taken by the (a) police force, (b) fire service and (c) prison service in the last year for which records are available; and what the cost was.

John Denham: holding answer 20 May 2002
	The number of days taken as sick leave in 2000–01 and the estimated costs are set out in the table:
	
		
			  Number of days sick leave taken Estimated cost £ million 
		
		
			 Police officers 1,516,147 (37)280 
			 Police support staff 746,928 (38)106 
			  
			 Total 2,263,075 386 
			
			 Fire service(39) (40)407,369 (41)— 
			 Prison service 614,150 (42)68 
		
	
	(37) The average daily cost of a police officer is £185.
	(38) The average daily cost of a member of support staff is £142.
	(39) Responsibility for the fire service rests with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
	(40) This is based on 45 out of the 50 brigades providing full information.
	(41) Not available.
	(42) The prison service figure is calculating using a daily costing of £110 for all staff.

Investigatory Branch CIB3

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received regarding the progress of the investigatory branch CIB3 in investigating alleged misdemeanours.

John Denham: I received representations on alleged malpractice in corruption investigations by the Anti- Corruption Unit of the Metropolitan Police Service's Directorate of Professional Standards (formerly CIB3) from my noble Friend (Lord Graham) of Edmonton, five hon. Members and a solicitor at a meeting on 20 March 2002. I received a dossier of written material from my noble Friend Lord Graham on 30 April. I have also received nine other pieces of correspondence on related issues.
	We have received no other representations this year.

Deaths in Custody

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what steps he is taking to reduce the number of deaths in police custody;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the causes of the change in the annual number of deaths in police custody since 1992.

John Denham: The number of people dying in police stations has fallen from 16 to five in the period 1998–99 to 2000–01. Provisional figures for 2001–02 show that the decline is continuing.
	The definitions of deaths in police custody or otherwise with the police were revised in 1996 to make them clearer, and to distinguish between deaths of those in police detention and other deaths involving the police. This resulted in a broader range of deaths being reported, for example people who died while attempting to evade arrest in vehicles. This has resulted in an increase in the published figures.
	The increased figure for 1995–96 reflected the change to collecting the figures on a financial year basis rather than on a calendar year basis and were collected over a 15 month period (1 January 1995 to 31 March 1996).
	Much has been done in recent years by the police, the Home Office and the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) to identify the main factors responsible for deaths in custody and to consider how the position can be improved. Police forces in England and Wales are taking a range of actions to reduce such deaths. These include safer custody facilities, improved training, Close Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring and an emphasis on better care, assessment and monitoring of detainees.

Special Constables

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about establishment, recruitment and retention in the special constabulary.

John Denham: Special constables are a key element of our police reform agenda. We are working on a package of measures designed to help improve the way they are recruited, managed and deployed.
	We are particularly keen to improve liaison with employers. Later this year, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Home Secretary will publish a joint discussion paper on fiscal and other changes we can make to promote community service, including service as a special constable. A new headline role for specials has been published, focusing on intelligence-led patrolling and crime reduction initiatives. A new foundation training package for specials was issued in June and revised conditions of service regulations and new conduct regulations are being prepared.
	Central to this process will be Home Office/the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) good practice guidance covering all aspects of the recruitment, management and deployment of specials, which will be issued by the end of the year. We have also set aside £300,000 to help "specials champions" forces drive forward initiatives to improve the recruitment and retention of specials. I have asked deputy chief constable Peter Fahy of Surrey police to help with this.

Bilateral Ministerial Meetings

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Ministers in his Department have held meetings with Ministers and officials of the Irish Government since 1 June 2000; when and where each meeting took place; which Ministers were involved in each meeting; which Irish Government departments were involved in each meeting; and which Ministers and officials from the Irish Government attended each meeting.

David Blunkett: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Peter Hain) on 20 June 2002, Official Report, column 533W.

Ring-fenced Funds

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funds allocated by (a) his Department and (b) its executive agencies are ring-fenced for specific purposes; and if he will list the allocations of funds involved.

David Blunkett: holding answer 18 December 2001
	I regret the delay in responding to this question. Ring-fenced expenditure for the Home Office and Prison Service Agency for financial year 2001–02 is detailed in the table:
	
		£000 
		
			  2001–02 
		
		
			 Home Office  
			 Crime Fighting Fund 159,000 
			 Capital Modernisation Fund (CMF) 207,900 
			 Invest to Save 30,897 
			 Drugs 88,218 
			 Non CMF DNA 46,000 
			 Crime Research Programme 110,900 
			 Confiscated Assets Fund 6,000 
			 Criminal Justice System 100,000 
			 Active Communities Project 10,900 
			 Central Service Modernisation 2,025 
			 Youth Justice Board Operating Costs 10,386 
			 Youth Justice Board bail support 10,000 
			
			 Police Loan Charges grants 14,200 
			 Probation Loan Charges grants 2,597 
			 Superannuation of seconded police 1,081 
			  
			 Total 800,104 
			   
			 Prison Service Agency  
			 Capital Modernisation Fund 35,470 
			 Invest to Save 1,340 
			 Invest to Modernise 2,740 
			 Drugs programmes 51,950 
			  
			 Total 91,500

Conviction Rate

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes resulted in a conviction as a proportion of total recorded crime in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: The information requested is contained in the table.
	
		Number of convictions for notifiable offences as a percentage of recorded crime, 1998–99 to 2000–01
		
			  1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 Recorded crime 5,109,116 5,301,171 5,170,196 
			 Convictions for notifiable offences 755,705 756,629 705,450 
			 Convictions as a percentage of recorded crime 14.8 14.3 13.6 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. A crime may involve more than one offender.
	2. Each notifiable offence for which an individual was convicted is counted.
	3. Some convictions will relate to crimes recorded in earlier years.
	Sources:
	Recorded Crime Statistical Bulletin, Home Office, 12/01
	Home Office Court Proceedings Database

Criminal Records Bureau

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether businesses that have lost money as a direct result of the failure of the Criminal Records Bureau to meet its published service standards will be entitled to compensation.

Hilary Benn: Part V of the Police Act 1997 imposes no time frame for the issue of disclosures and the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has no liability in contract or tort for taking time to process applications. The CRB has sought advice about the circumstances in which it is suitable to consider paying, or declining to pay, WW compensation.

Air Weapons

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there were for (a) carrying a loaded air weapon in a public place, (b) a person under 14 having an air weapon, (c) a person under 17 having an air weapon in a public place and (d) the sale of air weapons to minors in the last five years.

Bob Ainsworth: The information requested is contained in the table.
	Statistics for 2001 will be available in the autumn.
	
		Persons found guilty at all courts for various offences under the Firearms Act 1968, England and Wales 1996 to 2000(43),(44)
		
			 Offence description Statute Year Found guilty 
		
		
			 Carrying a loaded air weapon in a public place, etc. Firearms Act 1968, Sec 19 1996 202 
			   1997 220 
			   1998 195 
			   1999 176 
			   2000 170 
			 
			 Person under 14 having with him an air weapon or ammunition therefor Firearms Act 1968, Sec 22 (4) 1996 12 
			   1997 8 
			   1998 6 
			   1999 12 
			   2000 16 
			 
			 Person under 17 having with him an air weapon in a public place Firearms Act 1968, Sec 22 (5) 1996 43 
			   1997 51 
			   1998 47 
			   1999 54 
			   2000 52 
			 
			 Selling or letting on hire an air weapon or ammunition to a person under 17 Firearms Act 1968, Sec 24 (1) 1996 2 
			   1997 1 
			   1998 3 
			   1999 1 
			   2000 — 
		
	
	(43) These data are on the principal offence basis.
	(44) Staffordshire police were able to submit sample data only for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates courts in the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table.

Ministerial Training

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how much has been spent by his Department on training in leadership skills for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how much has been spent by his Department on voice coaching for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years;
	(3)  how much has been spent by his Department on training by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 26 April 2002
	There are no central data available on how much has been spent by the Home Department on training in leadership skills for Ministers in the last five years.
	In the financial year 2001–02, the Cabinet Office provided funds for leadership development for officials as part of the invest to modernise programme. Records available show that £583,967 was spent by the Home Department on training in leadership skills for officials from 1 December 2001 to 31 March 2002 under the excellent leaders scheme. All expenditure under the excellent leaders scheme came from a ring-fenced allocation from the Cabinet Office and not from general Home Office funds.
	The aim of the excellent leaders scheme was to grow leadership skills in the senior civil service by developing their competencies. In the period December 2001 to March 2002, 84 senior members of staff received executive coaching sessions; 13 specifically tailored Directorate leadership conferences were held for senior Home Office staff, and 40 members of staff attended publicly available leadership programmes and training events.
	£316,000 was spent on executive coaching sessions; £197,000 on tailored leadership conferences and £70,967 on leadership training.
	Ministers in the Home Department are able to take advantage of the programmes for Ministers organised by the Centre for Management and Policy Studies (CMPS) in the Cabinet Office. This programme has not delivered training on voice coaching or training by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Neither have officials received such training in the last five years.

Prostitution

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) men and (b) women have been sent to prison in the United Kingdom for living on the earnings of, or for controlling, a prostitute in each of the last five years.

Hilary Benn: The information requested, relating to (a) males and (b) females sentenced to immediate custody for living on the earnings of, or controlling a prostitute in England and Wales from 1996 to 2000 are shown in the table.
	Statistics for 2001 will be available in the autumn.
	Figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly respectively.
	
		Number of persons sentenced to immediate custody for prostitution related offences in England and Wales 1996 to 2000(45) (46)
		
			Total sentenced to immediate custody  
			 Offence description Statute 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 Male   
			 Living on earnings of prostitution or exercising control over prostitute Sexual Offences Act 1956 Secs 30 and 31 26 23 23 16 12 
			 Man or woman living wholly or in part on the earnings of male prostitution Sexual Offences Act 1967 Sec 5(1) 3 1 — — — 
			   
			 Total  29 24 23 16 12 
			
			 Female   
			 Living on earnings of prostitution or exercising control over prostitute Sexual Offences Act 1956 Secs 30 and 31 2 1 1 3 — 
			 Man or woman living wholly or in part on the earnings of male prostitution Sexual Offences Act 1967 Sec 5(1) — — — — — 
			   
			 Total  2 1 1 3 — 
		
	
	(45) These data are on the principal offence basis.
	(46) Staffordshire Police Force were only able to supply a sample of data for magistrates' courts proceedings covering one full week in each quarter for 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust at a detailed level and so are excluded from this analysis.

Prostitution

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) boys and (b) girls aged under 15 years have been cautioned by police officers in the Metropolitan Police Authority for being involved in prostitution in the last 12 months.

John Denham: No instances of males or females aged under 15 cautioned in 2000 for prostitution in the Metropolitan Police Force Area were reported to the Home Office.
	Statistics for 2001 will be available in the autumn.

Justice and Home Affairs Agenda

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to take forward the Justice and Home Affairs Agenda of the EU.

David Blunkett: I intend to work closely with the incoming Danish Presidency with a view to taking forward the justice and home affairs work programme. Consequently, I met with Lene Espersen, the Danish Minister of Justice, on 19 June to discuss the priorities for the next six months.
	My key priority will be to push forward implementation of the conclusions agreed at the Seville European Council on 21–22 June on combating illegal immigration and creating a common asylum policy. Those conclusions were prompted by United Kingdom concerns at the lack of progress on asylum and immigration measures and incorporate specific ideas proposed by the United Kingdom for the purpose of advancing that work. In particular, the conclusions set deadlines for agreeing the instruments which will form the basis of the European Union's common asylum system, and I attach importance to supporting the Danish Presidency in securing agreement to the Dublin II Regulation (on responsibility for processing an asylum claim) by the end of this year.
	I also intend to focus greater attention at European Union level on action against drug trafficking as part of the mid-term review of the European Union's Action Plan against Drugs 2000–04. Improved cross-border police co-operation, including the effective use of Europol, is also a priority, as is progress in implementing the programme of measures on mutual recognition of court decisions and judgments. In particular, I would like to see completion of the negotiations on the mutual recognition of financial penalties, which was a joint initiative tabled by the United Kingdom, Belgium and Sweden.

Racism

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent advice he has given to local authorities about tackling racism and promoting community cohesion.

Beverley Hughes: The Government is committed to making race equality and community cohesion central to its aims.
	We are committed to outlaw discrimination in employment by December 2003 as required by the European Employment Directives.
	The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 came into force on 2 April. It places a general duty on specified public authorities to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination—and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups.
	Public bodies were required to have in place by 31 May this year, realistic and timely plans to show how they intend to comply with the general duty.
	The Government is working right across Departments on a number of measures to promote community cohesion. Our aim is to build communities where:
	there is a common vision and a sense of belonging for all people—there is an appreciation of people's different backgrounds and circumstances
	where those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities; and
	strong and positive relationships are being developed between people from different backgrounds in the work place, in schools and within neighbourhoods.
	The Government published draft Guidance on Community Cohesion in May this year, in conjunction with the Commission for Racial Equality, and the Local Government Association. The draft provides advice to local authorities on ways to integrate community cohesion within their day to day operations. It focuses upon 16 themes covering housing, leisure, education, media, and training and employment schemes. Copies have been placed in the Library.

Racism

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding has been provided to each authority for tackling racism and promoting community cohesion in the last 12 months.

Beverley Hughes: The Government believe that effectively addressing community cohesion issues forms a crucial part of the work of local government.
	In working to achieve this aim, the Government are investing resources in local authorities through the following ways:
	community facilitation work—these projects will help build capacity at a grass roots level and to bring local people together. This is important in order to encourage dialogue and tackle local grievances or misunderstandings that threaten good community and race relations;
	a summer activity programme—in response to last summer's disturbances; we made £7 million available to fund summer activities with over 200,000 beneficiaries. We have released further funding for a similar and extended programme for this year, including additional activities in those areas with high levels of street crime;
	a community support team programme—this is providing support to areas such as Burnley, Bradford and Oldham to help build the capacity of these areas in promoting community cohesion.
	In addition, the Community Cohesion Unit set up by the Home Office this year, which works to the Ministerial Group chaired by me, is working closely with local authorities.
	Additionally, and in recognition of the need to genuinely build cohesion into the agenda of local government, the Government recently announced that community cohesion will form one of the key themes of the Government's beacon council scheme.
	Draft guidance for local authorities has also been produced in conjunction with the Commission for Racial Equality and the Local Government Association. This sets out practical ways in which local authorities can integrate community cohesion into day-to-day operations. Copies have been placed in the Library.

Police Force (Diabetes)

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  for what reason the police force is not permitted to recruit diabetics; and what guidance has been issued on the transfer of a diagnosed diabetic from one constabulary to another;
	(2)  if he will respond to the letter of the hon. Member for Leominster dated 17 December 2001, on behalf of Mrs. T. A. Smith, a constituent, concerning a transfer to the West Mercia Constabulary.

John Denham: holding answer 7 March 2002
	The Home Office issues no guidance to police forces on the subject of medical standards for officers transferring from one force to another.
	Home Office guidance for forces on the recruitment of diabetics is currently under review by independent medical experts as part of the Home Office's National Recruitment Standards project. This work aims to ensure that occupational medical standards for police recruitment are evidence-based, job-related and not unfairly discriminatory. The new standards are expected to be applied consistently by the 43 forces of England and Wales.
	The medical review will also take into account the implications of the proposed extension of the employment-related provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to the police.
	Recommendations on proposed new medical standards should be available for consultation shortly.
	In the meantime, there are current Home Office medical guidelines on the recruitment of new entrants to the police service. These were formulated after consultations between occupational physicians and force medical advisers, and agreed by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Working Group on Organisational Health, Safety and Welfare.
	The Working Group further confirmed that the standards should not only reflect "fitness to serve" at the time of assessment, but should also predict, as far as possible, that the individual is likely to remain fit for the full duties of a police constable for the foreseeable future. This is in order to minimise premature retirement on health grounds.
	The guidelines on diabetes state that candidates with diabetes mellitus should be rejected.
	I responded to the hon. Member's letter of 17 December to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary (Mr. Blunkett) on 6 March 2002.

Working Holidaymaker Scheme

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the reasons have been for individuals in the working holidaymaker scheme remaining in the UK after the two-year period had lapsed.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 19 July 2002
	Working holidaymakers can stay in the United Kingdom beyond their initial two-year leave of entry if they obtain leave to remain in another category, for example, as a student.
	Working holidaymakers are not normally permitted to remain in the United Kingdom for the purposes of employment, although some are permitted to switch into work permit employment on a case-by-case discretionary basis. A short extension of stay may be granted on an exceptional basis to a working holidaymaker employed as a supply teacher, until the end of the school term. Those working holidaymakers who have not been specifically permitted to stay longer should leave the United Kingdom at the end of the two-year period.

The Working Holidaymaker Scheme

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people participating in the working holidaymaker scheme are based in (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland.

Beverley Hughes: Holding answer 19 July 2002
	The information is not collected. Under the scheme young Commonwealth citizens come to the United Kingdom (UK) for an extended two-year holiday, during which they can take incidental employment to fund their stay here. They are free to move around the UK as they wish. Around 40,000 come to the UK each year on the scheme but, given its nature, it is not feasible or necessary to collect information on where participants base themselves at any one particular time during their stay.

The Working Holidaymaker Scheme

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people participating in the working holidaymaker scheme in each of the last five years have continued to stay in the UK after the two year period has been completed.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 19 July 2002
	This information is not available. Unless working holidaymakers have been granted an extension of stay, they should leave the country at the end of their two-year working holiday.

Housing

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make an assessment of the availability of empty housing stock owned by (a) local authorities, (b) housing associations, (c) public sector bodies and (d) the private sector in areas of industrial decline and its suitability to accommodate asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) is responsible for administering the support available to asylum seekers including the provision of accommodation. Research to identify cluster areas suitable for the dispersal of asylum seekers was conducted centrally by NASS in consultation with regional consortia. NASS is satisfied that it has a sufficient supply of accommodation for single adults but is currently negotiating for further accommodation for families.

Careless Driving

Alice Mahon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drivers convicted of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs (a) served the whole of their sentence and (b) had their sentence reduced, in each of the past 10 years.

Bob Ainsworth: I will write to my hon. Friend.

EU Committees (Scottish Executive Representation)

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  when the EU Committee for the Implementation of the Programme of Exchanges, Training and Co-operation between Law Enforcement Authorities (OISIN) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  when the EU Committee for the Implementation of the Joint Action Establishing a Programme of Exchanges, Training and Co-operation for Persons Responsible for Action to Combat Organised Crime (Falcone) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  when the EU Committee for the implementation of the incentive, exchange, training and co-operation programme for combating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children (STOP) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  when the EU Committee for the implementation of the incentive, exchange, training and co-operation programme for the prevention of crime (Hippokrates) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  when the EU Committee for the Implementation of the Programme of Training, Exchanges and Co-operation in the Field of Asylum Immigration and crossing of External Borders (Odysseus) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement;
	(6)  when the EU Committee for the Implementation of the Community Action Programme on Preventive Measures to Fight Violence Against Children, Young Persons and Women (Daphne) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement;
	(7)  when the EU Committee on the Introduction of a Uniform Format for Visas is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: The committees which assist the European Commission in managing the Oisin II, Falcone, Hippocrates and Grotius funding programmes will meet on 23 July to discuss the bids which have been received for the year 2002 and agree the allocation of funds to successful projects. The STOP Committee will meet on 24 July for the same purpose. The Daphne Committee will next meet on 11 September 2002. The Odysseus funding programme has expired.
	The committees consist of a representative of each member state who may be accompanied by additional experts at the expense of the individual member state. The United Kingdom (UK) is represented on each committee by a Home Office official and an official from the UK Permanent Representation to the European Union (EU) in Brussels. A representative from Her Majesty's Customs and Excise also attends the OISIN Committee as appropriate.
	In accordance with the Concordat on co-ordination of European Union policy issues, officials from the Home Office are in contact with Scottish Executive officials about the development and implementation of relevant funding programmes. Attendance by Scottish Executive officials at meetings of the committees would be agreed bilaterally, but has not so far taken place. Immigration and asylum matters are reserved subjects and consequently officials from the Scottish Executive were not members of, and did not attend, the Odysseus Committee.

Public Relations

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent by (a) his Department and (b) bodies for which it is responsible on external public relations consultants in each of the last four years.

Beverley Hughes: In November 1999, the Treasury published a statement of Best Practice on the use of consultants within Government. This is accessible on the archive section of Office of Government Commerce's (OGC's) website (www.ogc.gov.uk). It represents a set of principles that should apply to many areas of consultancy. But it is not binding on Departments and has no status in law.
	Decisions on the use of consultants is left to individual business units, but in making positive decisions units will take into account value for money considerations and whether the particular skills exist internally.
	The increase in expenditure on Public Relations Consultants can be attributed to the Criminal Records Bureau and United Kingdom Passport Agency undertaking a greater degree of Public Relations work in areas such as market research and media. We do not have historical information to provide any other valid comparisons for the increase.
	The available information held by the Home Department on cost for the use of external Public Relations Consultants by (a) Home Department and (b) other bodies over the last four years is as follows:
	
		(a) Home Office
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 1998 Nil 
			 1999 Nil 
			 2000 32,164 
			 2001 33,881 
		
	
	
		(b) Other bodies
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 1998 Nil 
			 1999 81,299 
			 2000 140,150 
			 2001 319,000

Correspondence

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter dated 26 April from the hon. Member for Yeovil on the subject of private home security companies.

John Denham: holding answer 12 June 2002
	I replied to the hon. Member on 22 July 2002.

Refurbishment Projects

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the refurbishment projects that (a) are in progress and (b) will start within the next six months; and what action is being taken to ensure that these will procure certified timber.

Beverley Hughes: The information on existing and forthcoming refurbishment projects with a value over £500,000 in the Home Office including its executive agencies (but excluding sponsored non-departmental public bodies) is as follows:
	
		Projects currently in progress
		
			 Establishment Project 
		
		
			 Main Home Office estate  
			 Croydon file store Refurbishment 
			 Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Whitgift Centre, Croydon Partial refitting 
			 Riverside Exchange, Sheffield Partial refitting 
			   
			 Prison Service  
			 Ashwell Replace wooden buildings—Phase 3 
			 Aylesbury Wing refurbishment 
			 Birmingham Health care modifications 
			 Birmingham Redevelopment 
			 Brinsford New education building 
			 Brixton Refurbish Health Care/National roofing programme 
			 Camp Hill Wing refurbishment 
			 Cardiff Wing refurbishment/Additional cells 
			 Dorchester Replace kitchen 
			 Dover Re-role 
			 Durham Wing refurbishment 
			 Eastwood Park Safer locals programme 
			 Everthorpe Over roofing 
			 Feltham Safer locals programme 
			 Feltham Conversion of buildings 
			 Frankland DSPD Unit 
			 Gartree Wing refurbishment 
			 Gloucester Replace kitchen/National roofing programme 
			 Hull Redevelopment 
			 Huntercombe New education building/Extend workshop 
			 Kirkham Replace accommodation units 
			 Lancaster Farms New workshop complex 
			 Leeds New gatehouse 
			 Leeds Safer locals programme 
			 Lincoln Wing refurbishment 
			 Lindholme Leger club refurbishment 
			 Long Lartin Wing refurbishment 
			 Maidstone Wing refurbishment 
			 New Hall New gate complex 
			 Portland New care and custody unit 
			 Risley New houseblock 
			 Stoke Health New education building 
			 The Weare Refit/Re-mooring 
			 Wakefield Wing refurbishment 
			 Wandsworth Refurbish workshop 
			 Wandsworth New kitchen 
			 Winchester Safer locals programme 
		
	
	
		Projects due to commence within the next six months
		
			 Establishment Project 
		
		
			 Main Home Office estate  
			 Horseferry House, London Refitting of 6th and 7th floors to house more staff 
			 Ashley House, London Refitting to house more staff 
			 Allington Towers, London Refitting to provide temporary accommodation 
			 Metro Point, Canterbury House and St. Anne's, Croydon Fit out works 
			 IND, Whitgift Centre, Croydon Major refurbishment 
			   
			 Prison Service  
			 Ashwell Replace wooden buildings—Phase 4 
			 Askham Grange Mother and baby unit 
			 Birmingham Redevelopment 
			 Birmingham Safer locals programme 
			
			 Branston New stores 
			 Brockhill New kitchen 
			 Buckley Hall New kitchen 
			 Camp Hill Roof repairs to workshops 
			 Chelmsford Health care centre 
			 Drake Hall New kitchen 
			 Eastwood Park Mother and baby unit 
			 Eastwood Park Safer locals programme 
			 Everthorpe Upgrade main gate 
			 Feltham Safer locals programme—relocate health care 
			 Highpoint North Wing refurbishment 
			 Hindley Separation: New education and workshop 
			 Kirklevington New kitchen 
			 Leeds Safer locals programme 
			 Pentonville Health care centre 
			 Portland Wing refurbishment 
			 Preston Wing refurbishment 
			 Stafford Create pedestrian entrances 
			 Swansea Separation of pedestrian entrance 
			 Thorn Cross Renew roof coverings 
			 Wandsworth Safer locals programme—Phase 1 
			 Wandsworth Safer locals programme—Phase 2 
			 Wealstun Replace accommodation blocks 
			 Winchester Safer locals programme 
			 Winchester New visits 
			   
			  United Kingdom Passport Agency 
			 Peterborough Passport Office Counter refurbishment 
		
	
	National Probation Directorate
	In addition to the projects listed in the tables, 155 refurbishment project on the National Probation Directorate estate are either under way or are planned to begin within the next nine months. The average cost will be approximately £100,000. Full details could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Pending the issue of central technical guidance the Home Office did not require contracts to specify certified timber although its use was encouraged. Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) issued a model timber procurement clause in May which has been widely disseminated across the Department and all contracts for future major capital build schemes which involve the use of timber will require contractors to demonstrate that such timber will be provided from properly certified sources. This includes the new Home Office headquarters in Marsham Street.

Information Campaigns

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department spent on information literature, advertising and campaign material in financial year 2001–02; if he will list the campaigns that spent over £250,000; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 22 July 2002
	In 2001–02, the Home Office spent £22.4 million (exc. VAT) on information literature, advertising and campaign material. The campaigns that spent over £250,000 include: vehicle crime reduction, police recruitment, electoral issues, drugs misuse and child protection on the internet

Personality Disorder Assessments

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason the target to complete 180 dangerous and severe personality disorder assessments by 2001–02 was not met.

Hilary Benn: holding answer 11 July 2002
	The development of an assessment process for those who are dangerous as a result of a severe personality disorder is innovative and groundbreaking work.
	We are currently piloting assessments at Whitemoor prison and Rampton hospital and using their experience, along with the latest research evidence, to develop a framework for assessment in which clinicians, tribunals and the courts can have confidence. This is fundamental to ensuring that people are referred appropriately to services and that any new legislative powers are applied properly.
	The target to complete 180 assessments was agreed early in the life of the pilots, following which a number of refinements were made, the most significant being to extend the assessment process from 12 to 16 weeks. In addition the Whitemoor pilot has had significant difficulties in recruiting suitably qualified clinical staff and had to be temporarily suspended to allow for some refurbishment work in preparation for the treatment unit there. While these factors have inevitably had an effect on throughput, the 94 assessments completed during the period have proved invaluable in informing the development of a high quality assessment process, and provide a sound basis for further work.

PSA Targets

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the estimated cost to public funds is of the failure to achieve the public service agreement target to increase the number and proportions of recorded crimes for which an offender is brought to justice.

Hilary Benn: holding answer 11 July 2002
	As the public service agreement target relates to the number of offences which are brought to justice in 2003–04, it will not be possible to say until after the end of 2003–04 whether or not the target has been met.

Drug Misuse

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the proportion of young people under 25 (a) misusing illegal drugs and (b) with access to illegal drugs in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 11 July 2002
	Results from the 1998 and 2000 British Crime Surveys estimate that 29 per cent. of adults aged between 16 and 24 reported to have used an illegal drug in the previous year.
	Results from the 2001 survey of drug use, smoking and drinking among school children aged 11 to 15 years in England (published in a statistical press notice by Department of Health on 15 March 2002) show that 42 per cent. have been offered at least one or more drugs and that 20 per cent. reported the use of an illegal drug in the previous year.
	A revised method of measuring the prevalence of drug use was introduced in 2001. The format of the questions was changed as was the wording of the questions, after research showed that pupils found the previous survey difficult to answer. It is likely that the increase in levels of reported drug use is due to this change in question format rather than a real change in behaviour. Because of this revised methodology the 2001 estimates on drug use are not strictly comparable with results from previous sweeps.
	The estimates from previous years for those who reported ever having been offered at least one or more drug are 34 per cent. in 1998, 35 per cent. in 1999, and 35 per cent in 2000.
	The estimates from previous years for those reporting use of an illegal drug in the previous year are 11 per cent. in 1998, 12 per cent. in 1999 and 14 per cent. in 2000.
	Information regarding younger children is not available centrally.

Recovered Assets Fund

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what payments have been made for projects under the Recovered Assets Fund, broken down by region.

Bob Ainsworth: The Confiscated Assets Fund (CAF) was the forerunner of the Recovered Assets Fund (RAF) and provided funding for anti-drug projects. In 1999–2000 it approved national projects totalling £764,300. In 2000–2001 its national projects totalled £6,841,000 plus one in Wales for £262,000. Finally, in 2001–2002 it approved national project funding of £5,624,143 plus £2,500 in the south west, £879,600 in the midlands and £625,500 in London and the south east.
	I expect to announce shortly a first tranche of projects that are to receive funding under the Recovered Assets Fund, which has replaced the CAF and has a broader scope. These are in addition to RAF grants worth £250,000 for two asset recovery related projects which are already under way.

Mr. B. K. Pathan

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter sent by the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Keith Vaz) on 22 April, concerning Mr. B. K. Pathan of Leicester, reference P302501; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: I wrote to my hon. Friend on 23 July 2002.

Firearms

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has collated on the types of firearms used for criminal purposes since 1997.

Bob Ainsworth: Criminals in the United Kingdom use a range of different firearms obtained from a variety of different sources. The information collected centrally at present relates only to broad categories of weapons and is given in the table.
	As part of our efforts to crack down on misuse, we are currently funding a new National Firearms Forensic Intelligence Database which is expected to be operational in 2003. As well as helping to track the provenance of guns which have been recovered and to identify any which have been previously used, it will also help to provide a much more detailed assessment of the types of weapons used.
	
		Recorded crimes in which firearms were reported to have been used by principal weapon: England and Wales
		
			  Number of offences  
			 Principal weapon 1997 1998–99(47) 1999–2000(47) 2000–01(47) 
		
		
			 Long-barrelled shotgun 313 322 353 302 
			 Sawn-off shotgun 267 320 340 305 
			 Handgun 2,648 2,687 3,685 4,019 
			 Rifle 51 43 67 36 
			 Imitation firearm 511 566 823 773 
			 Unidentified firearm 713 665 762 953 
			 Other firearm 401 606 813 974 
			 Air weapon 7,506 8,665 10,103 10,227 
			 Total 12,410 13,874 16,946 17,589 
		
	
	(47) Year ending March.

Emergency Planning

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which Departments will take the lead in the event of different kinds of emergency taking place in the UK.

David Blunkett: Most emergencies are handled at a local level by the emergency services and by the appropriate local authority or authorities with no direct involvement by central Government.
	Where central Government do become involved because the incident is of such a scale or complexity to require central co-ordination or support, it is essential that we are clear in advance which Department will be in the lead.
	The Civil Contingencies Committee has had an up-to-date list of pre-nominated leads produced in order to reflect the devolution settlement; the changes to the machinery of Government made by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister since the general election; and incidents which were not covered in the earlier 'Dealing with Disaster' guidance document.
	I am placing in the Library a paper explaining the respective roles of lead Government Departments and the Civil Contingencies Secretariat and a table summarising which Departments will have the lead for different categories of emergency.
	The table shows the position that holds within the devolved Administrations and arrangements are being made to place the material in the Libraries of the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
	Arrangements are also being made for this material to be made available to the local authority and emergency services associations and to be placed on the internet at www.ukresilience.info that will be updated whenever necessary and should be consulted for the latest information on pre-designated lead Departments.

Prisons

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the level of staff absence through (a) short-term and (b) long-term sickness is in each prison, broken down by category, in the last 12 months for which information is available.

Hilary Benn: Information relating to the financial year 2001–02 is contained in the table. Information about privately managed prisons is not available as it is commercial in confidence.
	
		
			   Absences of one to seven days  Absences of over 27 days  
			 Category/Establishment Working days lost Rate per person Working days lost Rate per person 
		
		
			 High Security 
			 Belmarsh 2,771 3.12 12,841 14.48 
			 Durham 1,065 1.46 7,509 10.29 
			 Frankland 976 1.26 7,304 9.42 
			 Full Sutton 1,455 1.88 6,859 8.86 
			 Long Lartin 1,176 1.76 5,430 8.12 
			 Wakefield 1,084 1.73 5,862 9.34 
			 Whitemoor 1,661 2.20 11,572 15.32 
			 Woodhill 1,531 2.37 8,797 13.60 
			 High Security total 11,719 2.00 66,175 11.28 
			  
			 Category B 
			 Albany 366 1.29 2,431 8.60 
			 Blundeston 534 1.93 1,536 5.55 
			 Dartmoor 736 1.95 3,520 9.33 
			 Garth 569 1.36 4,597 10.95 
			 Gartree 385 1.43 1,930 7.16 
			 Grendon 589 1.85 3,888 12.19 
			 Kingston 284 2.08 1,794 13.17 
			 Maidstone 694 2.01 4,046 11.75 
			 Parkhurst 780 2.21 4,367 12.36 
			 Swaleside 737 1.79 4,151 10.11 
			 Category B total 5,674 1.78 32,259 10.11 
			  
			 Category C 
			 Acklington 625 1.62 3,333 8.64 
			 Ashwell 420 1.83 2,321 10.10 
			 Blantyre House 153 2.20 472 6.80 
			 Buckley Hall 391 2.00 1,882 9.62 
			 Camp Hill 469 1.73 2,549 9.40 
			 Channings Wood 536 1.70 3,421 10.85 
			 Coldingley 362 1.80 1,517 7.55 
			 Erlestoke 295 1.50 1,769 8.97 
			 Everthorpe 334 1.40 2,396 10.01 
			 Featherstone 529 1.68 3,105 9.86 
			 Haverigg 510 1.70 2,968 9.90 
			 Highpoint 774 1.89 2,072 5.06 
			 Kirklevington 143 1.52 441 4.70 
			 Lancaster 326 2.02 1,429 8.86 
			 Lindholme 658 1.64 2,583 6.43 
			 Littlehey 616 2.12 3,587 12.33 
			 Moorland 744 1.56 4,724 9.89 
			 Ranby 599 1.52 4,284 10.91 
			 Risley 667 1.34 6,124 12.32 
			 Shepton Mallet 256 1.88 684 5.03 
			 Stafford 619 1.93 3,968 12.35 
			 Stocken 385 1.40 1,396 5.08 
			 The Mount 557 1.78 1,926 6.17 
			 The Verne 569 2.02 1,614 5.73 
			 Usk/Prescoed 246 1.28 1,009 5.23 
			 Wayland 484 1.67 1,740 6.02 
			 Wealstun 430 1.41 2,349 7.68 
			 Weare 406 1.93 1,577 7.48 
			 Wellingborough 415 1.50 2,348 8.50 
			 Whatton 174 1.23 1,013 7.17 
			 Wymott 789 1.91 4,611 11.17 
			 Category C total 14,480 1.68 75,214 8.75 
			  
			 Male local 
			 Bedford 551 2.28 3,491 14.47 
			 Birmingham 1,069 2.23 6,165 12.86 
			 Blakenhurst 846 4.47 1,479 7.81 
			 Bristol 1,269 2.39 6,379 12.00 
			 Brixton 1,451 3.07 9,167 19.42 
			 Bullingdon 1,136 2.76 3,633 8.83 
			 Canterbury 403 2.09 2,205 11.42 
			
			 Cardiff 594 1.50 3,376 8.55 
			 Chelmsford 871 2.59 2,691 7.99 
			 Dorchester 362 2.20 924 5.61 
			 Elmley 1,186 2.68 2,808 6.35 
			 Exeter 686 2.20 3,627 11.65 
			 Gloucester 402 1.81 2,519 11.34 
			 Haslar 178 2.10 966 11.39 
			 Highdown 1,476 2.77 5,824 10.93 
			 Holme House 735 1.51 3,210 6.60 
			 Hull 492 1.18 2,421 5.80 
			 Leeds 1,169 1.69 8,722 12.63 
			 Leicester 436 1.79 2,298 9.43 
			 Lewes 705 2.41 3,492 11.95 
			 Lincoln 788 2.23 3,061 8.66 
			 Liverpool 995 1.26 9,598 12.18 
			 Manchester 1,233 1.63 10,445 13.78 
			 Norwich 917 2.15 3,994 9.35 
			 Nottingham 515 1.56 2,249 6.80 
			 Pentonville 1,526 2.66 5,956 10.37 
			 Preston 622 1.60 3,725 9.59 
			 Shrewsbury 326 1.60 2,491 12.21 
			 Swansea 370 1.57 1,974 8.39 
			 Wandsworth 1,596 2.37 8,159 12.14 
			 Winchester 1,011 2.79 2,945 8.12 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 1,751 3.15 7,729 13.88 
			 Male local total 27,667 2.16 137,721 10.77 
			  
			 Male open 
			 Ford 422 2.45 1,619 9.39 
			 Hewell Grange 131 1.57 398 4.77 
			 Kirkham 397 1.66 2,450 10.22 
			 Latchmere House 197 2.51 425 5.40 
			 Leyhill 282 1.51 1,725 9.22 
			 North Sea Camp 224 2.11 831 7.84 
			 Standford Hill 393 1.92 1,796 8.77 
			 Sudbury 235 1.26 1,685 9.06 
			 Male open total 2,281 1.81 10,930 8.68 
			  
			 Detention Centre 
			 Dover 356 1.72 2,515 12.18 
			 Detention centre total 356 1.72 2,515 12.18 
			  
			 Male closed YOI 
			 Aylesbury 776 2.36 5,177 15.78 
			 Brinsford 637 1.65 2,702 6.99 
			 Castington 572 1.64 4,695 13.45 
			 Deerbolt 412 1.47 1,965 7.00 
			 Feltham 1,901 2.95 6,672 10.36 
			 Glen Parva 1,035 2.08 3,075 6.17 
			 Guys Marsh 395 1.57 2,887 11.45 
			 Hindley 665 1.67 6,330 15.89 
			 Hollesley Bay 627 1.93 3,025 9.30 
			 Huntercombe 575 2.25 3,374 13.22 
			 Lancaster Farms 740 2.09 3,381 9.57 
			 Northallerton 255 1.72 1,675 11.29 
			 Onley 1,043 2.59 6,290 15.65 
			 Portland 556 1.70 3,152 9.65 
			 Reading 425 2.19 2,097 10.81 
			 Rochester 535 1.78 2,772 9.24 
			 Stoke Heath 858 2.11 5,652 13.92 
			 Swinfen Hall 346 1.48 1,099 4.72 
			 Werrington 331 2.08 1,862 11.69 
			 Wetherby 520 2.03 3,096 12.06 
			 Male closed YOI total 13,203 2.03 70,980 10.92 
			  
			 Male open YOI 
			 Hatfield 111 1.31 370 4.37 
			 Thorn Cross 387 1.76 1,799 8.17 
			 Male open YOI total 498 1.63 2,169 7.11 
			
			 Female closed 
			 Bullwood Hall 339 2.18 1,597 10.28 
			 Cookham Wood 232 2.43 1,144 11.98 
			 Downview 341 1.84 2,454 13.24 
			 Foston Hall 377 2.06 775 4.24 
			 Morton Hall 244 1.70 1,101 7.67 
			 Send 414 3.15 811 6.17 
			 Styal 517 1.58 3,633 11.10 
			 Female closed total 2,464 2.02 11,514 9.43 
			  
			 Female local 
			 Brockhill 364 2.21 2,661 16.20 
			 Eastwood Park 537 2.41 4,129 18.53 
			 Highpoint North 238 2.31 986 9.58 
			 Holloway 1,314 2.69 8,344 17.05 
			 Low Newton 321 1.40 1,706 7.46 
			 New Hall 584 1.98 2,909 9.87 
			 Female local total 3,357 2.23 20,735 13.80 
			  
			 Female open 
			 Askham Grange 126 1.62 650 8.34 
			 Drake Hall 261 1.53 2,454 14.40 
			 East Sutton Park 98 1.58 770 12.40 
			 Female open total 486 1.56 3,874 12.48 
			  
			 Total 82,184 1.97 434,087 10.40

Vulnerable Prisoner Units

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) male and (b) female prison inmates are held in vulnerable prisoner units in prisons in England and Wales.

Hilary Benn: On 31 May 2002 there were 3,911 male prisoners held in vulnerable prisoner units. There are no vulnerable prisoner units in the female estate. The female estate does not have any dedicated units specifically for vulnerable prisoners as they are managed within the general female population. There are some beds reserved for women who are vulnerable from the nature of their offence but these are only in very small numbers and not in designated units.

Prisoners

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the estimated timetable will be for implementing the enhanced wages scheme for prisoners outlined in the Social Exclusion Unit's latest report; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: An action plan setting out the Government's response to the report will be published later this year.

Prison Service

Eric Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the final Key Performance Indicator targets for the Prison Service for 2002–03.

Hilary Benn: The Prison Service Business Plan for 2002–03, published in February 2002, included Key Performance Indicator (KPI) measures for the year but at that stage not all the associated targets had been finalised.
	The full set of measures and targets for 2002–03 are listed as follows:
	To ensure no escapes of Category A prisoners;
	To ensure that the number of escapes from prisons and from escorts undertaken by Prison Service staff, expressed as a proportion of the average prison population, is lower than 0.05 per cent.;
	To ensure that the number of escapes from contracted out escorts is no more than one per 20,000 prisoners handled;
	To ensure that the number of positive adjudications of assault on prisoners, staff and others, expressed as a proportion of the average prison population is lower than 9 per cent.;
	To ensure that the number of prisoners held two to a cell designated for one, expressed as a proportion of the average prison population does not exceed 18 per cent.;
	To ensure that the number of minority ethnic staff in the prison service, expressed as a proportion of the total work force is at least 4.5 per cent. by April 2003;
	To ensure that average staff sickness does not exceed nine working days per person by April 2003;
	To ensure that the average cost per uncrowded prison place does not exceed £38,743;
	To ensure that the average cost per prisoner does not exceed £36,539;
	To ensure 7,100 accredited offending behaviour programme completions in 2002–03, including 950 sex offender treatment programmes;
	To ensure that prisoners spend on average at least 24 hours per week in purposeful activity;
	To ensure the rate of positive results from random mandatory drug tests is lower than 10 per cent. by April 2003;
	To achieve a 5 per cent. reduction in the number of self inflicted deaths expressed as a rate per 100,000 of average population compared with 2001–02;
	Prisoners to achieve 45,000 key skills awards and 28,800 in basic skills including 10,800 at level 2, 12,000 at level 1 and 6,000 at entry level;
	To ensure 28,200 prisoners have a job, training or education place after release by April 2003; and
	To develop and pilot a joint indicator with Department of Health to reduce waiting times for mental health transfers and to implement the KPI from April 2003.

Prisoners (Feltham)

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many hours per day the (a) 16 to 18-year-old and (b) over 18-year-old prisoners at Feltham receive (i) compulsory education, (ii) extra-curricular education, (iii) sport and (iv) general exercise; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: Education is only compulsory for those under school leaving age; they receive 15 hours of education per week at Feltham in five, three-hour sessions. Anyone over this age cannot be ordered to undertake education, as it is not classified as work.
	On extra-curricular education, there are currently no evening classes at Feltham. It is hoped that the prison's local recruitment campaign will deliver sufficient staff to make this possible.
	With regard to participation in sporting activities, juveniles (under 18s) are currently receiving an average of 4.9 hours of physical education (PE) a week. Young offenders are currently receiving an average of 5.4 hours per week. However, attendance at PE is voluntary.
	For general exercise, all prisoners receive a daily minimum of 30 minutes of time in the open air. Those in segregation receive one hour a day, weather permitting.

London Probation Service

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) full-time, (b) part-time, (c) agency and (d) temporary staff work for the London Probation Service.

Hilary Benn: The latest figures from the London Probation Area show that they currently employ 2,836 staff in total; 2,137 of which are full time employees, 530 are part time, 89 are agency staff and 80 are on temporary contracts.

Forensic Science Service

Eric Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the Forensic Science Service.

John Denham: A review of the Forensic Science Service will commence on 2 September and is expected to be completed by spring 2003. The review team, independently lead by Robert McFarland, a former chief executive of the BOC Group, has been appointed and preliminary work is already under way. A steering group, chaired by one of my officials, will oversee the review and recommendations will be made to me in due course. I will report back to the House on its findings.
	The review process will provide extensive opportunities for consultation work with internal and external stakeholders and will follow the procedures recommended in the guidance for the review of executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies published by the Cabinet Office.

Auld Review

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government expect to publish a detailed response to Sir Robin Auld's, Review of the Criminal Courts of England and Wales, and John Halliday's, Making Punishments Work—A Review of the Sentencing Framework for England and Wales.

Hilary Benn: 'Justice for All' presented to Parliament on 17 July set out our policy on reform of the criminal justice system. We made clear that we are indebted to Sir Robin auld and John Halliday for their extensive and thorough review of the criminal courts and sentencing policy. Today we publish a detailed response to all their recommendations and copies will be placed in the Library.

Departmental Expenditure

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his Department's total expenditure by month in each financial year since 1997–98.

David Blunkett: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Boateng) on 4 February 2002, Official Report, column 692W.

Departmental Expenditure

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by how much his Department underspent its expenditure limits in the financial year 2000–01.

David Blunkett: holding answer 7 March 2002
	The Home Office full, financial year outturns for the years 1998–99 to 2000–01 are shown in the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (Cm 5401) published by the Treasury in May 2002.

Departmental Expenditure

Robert Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total under-spend in his Department was on (a) capital and (b) non-capital expenditure in each financial year since May 1997.

David Blunkett: holding answer 7 February 2002
	The Home Office full, financial outturns for the years 1998–99 to 2000–01 are shown in the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (Cm 5401) published by the Treasury in May 2002.
	The full, financial outturn for the 1997–98 financial year was shown in the previous Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (Cm 5101).

Departmental Report

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost was of publishing his Department's annual report for each of the past five years.

Beverley Hughes: The information is as follows:
	
		£ 
		
			 Home Office annual report Design Print Total cost 
		
		
			 1999 28,120.37 15,200.00 43,320.37 
			 2000 20,639.46 14,681.00 35,320.46 
			 2001 57,695.66 22,842.00 80,537.66 
			 2002 30,411.35 17,967.98 48,379.33 
		
	
	The costs for 1998 are not readily available. To obtain the 1998 figures would amount to disproportionate costs.
	We believe the benefit to Parliament and the public of publishing a detailed account of our work is considerable, facilitating more open government.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Transsexuals

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she will make a statement about the ECHR judgments in the cases of Goodwin v. UK and I v. UK; and when she expects British transsexuals will be able (a) to change their NI numbers and (b) to marry.

Rosie Winterton: The Government reconvened recently the Interdepartmental Working Group on Transsexual People, to re-examine the implications of granting full legal status to transsexual people in their acquired gender, and to make recommendations to Ministers before the end of this year. It has now been tasked additionally with considering urgently the implications of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in the cases of Christine Goodwin v. The United Kingdom and I v. The United Kingdom.
	The Government are obliged, under international law, to implement the judgments and will decide as soon as possible how to do so. The devolved Administrations are also considering their approach to these issues where responsibilities are devolved.
	The matters under consideration include policy on marriage and national insurance arrangements. Transsexual people may already obtain new national insurance cards in their new names.
	Following the ruling, statutes must be interpreted in the light of the ECtHR findings and, where a statute allows, discretion must be exercised differently in any case where the traditional interpretation or exercise of discretion would result in a violation of a transsexual person's Convention rights.

Transsexuals

Lynne Jones: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 
	(1)  whether the Government accepts the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Goodwin and I; what action is being taken to bring UK law into compliance with the ruling; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what the terms of reference are of the reconvened Interdepartmental Working Group on Transsexual Rights.

Rosie Winterton: The Government will decide their response to the Court's judgments as soon as possible. We had already reconvened the Interdepartmental Working Group on Transsexual People because the issues faced by the transsexual community affect the policy of a large number of Government Departments and the devolved Administrations.
	The group met on 9 July. Its agreed terms of reference are:
	"In the light of the report of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Transsexual People and more recent relevant developments, to re-examine the implications of granting full legal status to transsexual people in their acquired gender; and to make recommendations".
	These terms of reference remain valid subsequent to the ruling of the ECtHR, delivered on 11 July: but the Working Group has been tasked to consider urgently the implications of the judgments in the cases of Christine Goodwin v. The United Kingdom and I v. The United Kingdom. The Government are obliged, under international law, to implement the judgments and will decide as soon as possible how to do so. The devolved Administrations are also considering their approach to these issues where responsibilities are devolved. Recommendations on a course of action will be put to Ministers in october for collective decisions to be reached during the autumn.
	Following the ruling, statutes must be interpreted in the light of the ECtHR findings and, where a statute allows, discretion must be exercised differently in any case where the traditional interpretation or exercise of discretion would result in a violation of a transsexual person's Convention rights.

Compensation

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action she has taken to ensure that QinetiQ pays appropriate compensation to genealogical societies, for their administrative costs relating to vouchers for the 1901 Census website.

Rosie Winterton: All vouchers which have not been used will receive a full refund on request, including the purchase cost, postage and packaging. All vouchers which have been partially used, will have a full six months of active life starting from the date when the online service resumes. Payment of compensation for any additional administrative costs would be dealt with by the contractor, QinetiQ Ltd.

Election Expenditure

Don Foster: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the total Government expenditure was on (a) local elections in each year since 1997, (b) the 1997 general election and (c) the 2001 general election.

Yvette Cooper: To date, central Government expenditure for the conduct of the parliamentary general elections in 1997 and 2001 is £46.2 million and £44.3 million, respectively.
	Central Government makes no direct contribution to the cost of conducting local government elections, the funding of which is the responsibility of local authorities themselves.
	Information on the cost of local elections in England and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland respectively. This is a devolved matter in Wales and Scotland.

Law Commission

Gillian Merron: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the next quinquennial review of the Law Commission is to take place.

Rosie Winterton: The next QQR of the Law Commission is to begin today. The approach to the review will take into account the wider process of law reform and the relationship between the Law Commission and other agencies involved in that process, particularly Government Departments. It is expected that a final report to the Lord Chancellor, outlining key findings and recommendations, will be produced by the end of the year.
	John Halliday CB has been appointed as Head of Review. Mr. Halliday has been selected for this role because of the extent of his knowledge of the operation of Government, Parliament and the civil service. In particular, he has experience of working with the Law Commission and of leading the fundamental review of the framework for sentencing criminal offenders in England and Wales. This resulted in the Halliday report, 2001.
	Copies of the Terms of Reference for the review have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Public Guardianship Office

Lawrie Quinn: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Public Guardianship Office's annual report and accounts for 2001–02 will be laid before Parliament.

Rosie Winterton: I have today laid before the House the Public Guardianship Office's annual report and accounts for 2001–02, which gives full details of the Agency's performance and expenditure for that year.

Departmental Functions

David Wright: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement on the recent changes in the functions of her Department.

Rosie Winterton: For the assistance of hon. Members, I have today placed in the Library of each House a list which sets out briefly the current functions of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Thames Valley Magistrates Court Service

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many (a) staff and (b) legal advisers have left the Thames Valley magistrates court service since 1 January 2001; how many trials have been cancelled since 1 January 2001 in the Thames Valley magistrates court area, how many vacancies there are in the Thames Valley magistrates court service; and if she will list them and the salaries offered.

Yvette Cooper: I have been advised by Thames Valley Magistrates Courts Committee (MCC) that 52 staff members have left service since January 2001, of which 11 were legal advisers. There are currently 27.4 vacancies within the area, 7.4 of which are for legal advisers. Salaries for legal advisers are advertised at £25,518 to £32,001 (depending upon experience); deputy justices' clerks are advertised at £39,072 to £43,293; and admin/payments staff vacancies are advertised at £10,974 to £14,433.
	I am advised by Thames Valley MCC that no trials have been cancelled since 1 January 2001.

Mentally Incapacitated People

David Drew: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will publish the evidence presented to the consultation exercise on 'Making Decisions: Helping People who have Difficulty in Deciding for Themselves'.

Rosie Winterton: Consultation on 'Making decisions: Helping People who have Difficulty Deciding for Themselves' is being conducted fully in accordance with the Cabinet Office's code of practice on written consultations. The code recommends that responses should be analysed carefully and that the results of the analysis should be made widely available. Responses are currently being analysed and, once completed, the results of that analysis, including an account of the views expressed, will be made public.

HEALTH

Medicines Commission

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive the annual report of the Medicines Commission for 2001; and if this will be published.

Hazel Blears: We have received the report, and copies have been laid before both Houses of Parliament today in accordance with the requirements of section 5(2) of the Medicines Act 1968.
	Bound volumes have been placed in the Library containing the 2001 reports of the Medicines Commission, the Committee on Safety of Medicines, the Advisory Board on the Registration of Homoeopathic Products, the British Pharmacopoeia Commission, the Independent Review Panel on Advertising, the Independent Panel for Borderline Products and the Veterinary Products Committee.
	We are glad to acknowledge the valuable work done by the distinguished members of the Medicines Act advisory bodies and thank them for the time and effort dedicated in the public interest to this important work.

Meat Hygiene Service

Piara S Khabra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the 2001–02 annual report and accounts for the Meat Hygiene Service will be laid before Parliament.

Hazel Blears: The 2001–02 annual report and accounts for the Meat Hygiene Service were laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library, but formal printing and publication will not occur for another 6–8 weeks, pending preparation of a version in Welsh as required by the Welsh Language Act.

Medicines Control Agency

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the annual report and accounts of the Medicines Control Agency.

Hazel Blears: We have received the report, and copies have today been laid before both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the requirements of sections 5(2) and 5(3) of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921. Copies have also been placed in the Library.

NHS Pensions Agency

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the key targets for 2002–03 for the NHS Pensions Agency; and if he will make a statement about the future of the Agency.

John Hutton: I have agreed the Agency's key targets for 2002–03, and have placed copies in the Libraries of both Houses. A review of the Agency will be completed by the end of this year. This will address the performance of the Agency and will examine the options ('prior options') for the future of the Agency.

NHS Pensions Agency

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the annual report and accounts of the NHS Pensions Agency.

John Hutton: I have approved the annual report and accounts which have today been laid before the House of Commons in accordance with the requirements of section 7 of the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000.
	Copies have been placed in the Library.

Child Care

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce child care centres in every community in the United Kingdom.

Estelle Morris: I have been asked to reply.
	Following emerging recommendations of the inter- departmental review of child care, recently carried out and due to report in the autumn, the Chancellor announced on 15 July that funding would be provided for children's centres to be set up in the most disadvantaged areas across England. The Government's long-term aim is to have such a centre in every disadvantaged ward in England. Building, where possible, on existing child care and Sure Start facilities, these centres will sit at the heart of the community offering integrated services and support to children, parents and child care providers. By March 2006, an additional 300,000 children and their parents will have access to health, education and other services through children's centres.

Vaccines

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether pneumococcal vaccine will be added to the flu campaign for the elderly.

Hazel Blears: The potential cost-effectiveness of introducing universal vaccination with pneumococcal polysaccharide for everyone over 65 years and efficacy of the vaccine in this age group is under investigation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Committee Mandates

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the mandate of the Committee for the implementation of the Community action programme for the prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The European Union Committee for the implementation of the Community action programme for the prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases was mandated under Article 5 of Decision 647/96/EC of the European Parliament and the Council (amended under Article 4 of Decision 521/2001/EC).
	The committee assisted the Commission in taking forward the programme by providing opinions on proposed measures by the Commission. It is due to terminate with the introduction of the new EU action programme on public health.
	The committee met once in the last year, in January 2002. The United Kingdom is normally represented by an official from this Department.
	Costs of the committee to public funds are minimal. Meetings last one day, and the Commission pay the travel costs of nominated representatives. UK Departments are required to pay subsistence and UK costs.
	The financial framework for implementation of the Community action programme for the prevention of AIDs and certain other communicable diseases, from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2002, is euro 10.07 million.
	The Commission has now decided which projects it will fund. This list will be published on the Department's website.
	Together with members states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
	As an obligation to the Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 28 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final).
	As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/index_en.html.

PPP

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) progress has been made, (b) targets have been set and (c) success has been measured, in the public-private initiative in the NHS.

John Hutton: holding answer 10 July 2002
	The Government set out their policies about the role of the private sector in the national health service in detail in the response to the House of Commons Health Committee's first report on the role of the private sector in the NHS, published on 10 July 2002 (Cm 5567).
	The NHS plan in 2000 set two main targets for investment in new NHS buildings, involving PFI:
	Target 1:
	over 100 new hospital schemes in total between 2000 and 2010 (both public and privately financed);
	Target 2:
	over half of the major 38 schemes given the go ahead at the time (July 2000) will be open by 2003–04 and the remainder will be under construction;
	progress against Target 1: 64 major and 33 medium-sized PFI schemes have been given the go ahead. A further four major and six medium-sized schemes are being built under the public procurement route, making a total of 107 new hospital schemes;
	progress against Target 2: 23 of the major PFI schemes are scheduled to become operational before the end of 2004. Three of the publicly procured schemes are scheduled to be operational by 2004;
	success against Targets 1 and 2: 12 major PFI schemes and eight medium-sized schemes are already built and operational, as are two of the publicly procured schemes;
	a further 12 major and 10 medium-sized schemes have signed final contracts and are under construction.

Private Finance Initiative

Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will make it his policy to require the release of detailed information, withheld from the public on the grounds of commercial confidentiality when private finance initiative contracts are awarded in the NHS, after a period of three years to permit assessment of their value for money;
	(2)  if he will provide information on PFI schemes, withheld on the grounds of commercial confidentiality, to bona fide research bodies, to make objective assessments of their value for money.

John Hutton: The National Audit Office has indefinite access to all information in the business cases and private finance initiative contracts to allow independent, objective assessments of value for money.

Private Finance Initiative

Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what method the Government use to measure the value of risk in assessing value for money for NHS private finance initiative projects in the NHS.

John Hutton: Her Majesty's Treasury and the Department's guidance requires that a register of all risks is compiled which will provide a means for monitoring the evaluation and allocation of risk throughout the procurement exercise and whole life of private finance initiative project.
	The methodology for assessing the values of risk includes standard techniques such as weighting and scoring analysis, single point and multi-point probability analysis. In addition, sensitivity analysis should always be undertaken on the risks which have been assessed as having relatively large values and those which are subject to the greatest uncertainty (e.g. due to lack of historical information). National health service trusts are required to use as much empirical information as possible in all their risk calculations.

Diagnostic and Treatment Centres

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if pre-existing plans for new hospitals, which already include the elements of diagnostic and treatment centres, will be fast-tracked when submitted for capital funding from the diagnostic and treatment centre funding programme;
	(2)  what funds his Department plans to make available for the establishing of diagnostic and treatment centres by primary care trusts in (a) 2002, (b) 2003 and (c) 2004;
	(3)  what the typical allocation of funds will be to a primary care trust to establish a diagnostic and treatment centre; and on what basis this will be calculated;
	(4)  when he expects to announce the first tranche of diagnostic and treatment centres to be established by primary care trusts;
	(5)  what his policy is on the establishment of diagnostic and treatment centres by primary care trusts.

John Hutton: We committed ourselves in the NHS Plan to having eight diagnostic and treatment centres up and running by 2004 with a further 12 in development.
	On 21 February 2002, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health, announced the first wave of eight diagnostic and treatment centres. One of these is The Chase Hospital, Bordon, part of the North Hampshire Primary Care Trust. The Department has allocated £700,000 to North Hampshire Primary Care Trust to support this development.
	We are now looking to expand and bring forward the diagnostic and treatment centre programme further in order to grow capacity and reduce waiting times. We have asked the NHS to put forward proposals. In certain cases this may result in the acceleration of all or part of existing proposals for hospital development. The proposals may also include additional diagnostic and treatment centres established by primary care trusts.
	Capital funding will be available to support the development of some of these diagnostic and treatment centres. Some proposals will involve working with, and/or funding from the private sector.

Smallpox Vaccine

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the smallpox contract awarded to Powderject is estimated to represent profit for Powderject.

John Hutton: The Department has made no such estimate. Before letting the contract to Powderject, the prices offered by other companies for similar products were compared, and comparisons were made with the price being paid by the United States Government for its smallpox vaccine. On the basis of consideration of all the price information available relating to similar products, the vaccine was deemed to represent value for money.

Smallpox Vaccine

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason he has chosen to purchase a smallpox vaccine which is of a different strain from that ordered by the US Administration.

John Hutton: The choice of smallpox vaccine strain took into account expert advice under the auspices of a specially convened sub-group of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
	The advice of the JCVI sub-group was that there was no difference between the two strains on scientific grounds. Vaccines based on both strains were considered to have been effective in the past. However, the JCVI sub-group concluded that there was a greater body of evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of the Lister strain rather than for the New York City Board of Health strain, and that the smallpox vaccine has been challenged in the field more often by the more severe form of smallpox (variola major) with the strain chosen by the United Kingdom Government. The JCVI sub-group also recommended that using a different strain of vaccine from that used in the United States offered the greatest safeguard if difficulties arose with the production of either strain, ensuring that the alternative strain could act as a fallback.

NHS Hospital Trusts

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS hospital trusts have been merged in the last five years.

John Hutton: A list of national health service trusts which have been involved in major reconfigurations over the last five years has been placed in the Library. Most of these have merged by dissolution and establishment of new trusts, but there are also absorption mergers and parts of NHS trusts involved in the formation of new NHS trusts and primary care trusts.

Health Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the outcome was of the Health Council held on 26 June; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: I represented the UK at the Health Council in Luxembourg on 26 June 2002.
	The Council debated the Commission's package of proposals for review of pharmaceutical legislation, covering the authorisation of medicinal products through a centralised authorisation procedure and the constitution of the management board of the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA). No conclusions were reached.
	During discussions of the framework convention on tobacco control, the Commission along with the incoming Danish presidency, urged member states to be flexible to allow the adoption of a strong European Union position for the next round of negotiations in Geneva in October. Some member states called for high level political input to seek to avoid adoption of a position that simply represented the lowest common denominator. The United Kingdom remains a supporter of a strong and effective convention.
	Council conclusions on patient mobility were adopted; with the Commission expected to bring forward proposals during the Danish presidency.
	The rest of the agenda covered the presentation of new dossiers or updates on the progress of current legislation. The Commission presented a draft directive on the safety of tissues and cells, to complement the current one on blood safety, as well as one on traditional medicines. There were also two recommendations: one on smoking prevention and tobacco control and another on the reduction of risks associated with drug dependence.
	Details of these and other agenda items are set out in the table which will be placed in the Library. No votes were taken on any issue before the Council.

Renal Dialysis

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the training of new doctors and nurses in order to staff the opening of new renal stations; and when he expects to provide additional dialysis in east Lancashire.

Jacqui Smith: The NHS plan commits the national health service to 7,500 more consultants and 20,000 extra nurses by 2004. As part of this expansion programme, the north-west deanery are planning a 15 per cent. increase during this year in the number of specialist registrar posts dedicated to the specialty of nephrology. This will support the renal development programme established for Lancashire and south Cumbria.
	Nurses required to support the new renal stations at Chorley have been recruited through a process of internal recruitment within the United Kingdom together with an overseas recruitment campaign. The same approach will be adopted for the future planned developments at Blackpool and Burnley.
	The Burnley Unit is a private finance initiative scheme which is expected to be commissioned during 2005, and in conjunction with the developments at Chorley and Blackpool, will significantly enhance the 'take-up' rates for each Lancashire from the current level of 73 per million to the planned 'take-up' rate of 90 per million by 2005.

Renal Dialysis

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what impact the opening of new renal stations in Lancashire will have on the number of patients at Royal Preston hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: The new renal facility at Chorley and South Ribble district general hospital is due to become operational in August 2002, and is expected to provide for 48 additional patients dialysing three times per week. Initially, patients currently being treated in Manchester hospitals will be given the choice of relocating to the new facility at Chorley. The facilities at Chorley are expected to achieve capacity by 31 March 2004.
	Once the new unit becomes operational, the Royal Preston hospital can then ensure that more clinically appropriate patients are managed at what is the main Lancashire renal centre, while the service also increases its 'take-on' rate for new patients.

Social Services

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the net expenditure of each social services authority in England was in each year since 1990–91 at 2000–01 prices excluding expenditure on places in the private and voluntary homes sector; and what the percentage increase was in each year since 1990–91;
	(2)  what the gross expenditure is of each social services authority in England in each year since 1990–91 at 2000–01 prices;
	(3)  what the net expenditure was of each social services authority in England in each year since 1990–91 at 2000–01 prices;
	(4)  what the net expenditure was of each social services authority in England in each year since 1990–91 at 2000–01 prices on purchasing places in the private and voluntary homes sector.

Jacqui Smith: Tables have been placed in the Library which provide the information requested except for net expenditure on places in the private and voluntary homes sector by local authorities for the years 1990–91 to 1993–94 (inclusive) and 2000–01 which is not available centrally.

Care Homes

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the meaning of accredited training in relation to Minimum Standard 9.7 for homes for older people and Minimum Standard 20.10 for homes for younger adults.

Jacqui Smith: The administration of medication within care homes is a major responsibility and should not be undertaken lightly, since inappropriate administration could result in harm or, in some instances, the death of a service user. In this respect care home providers, therefore, must ensure that any staff who are charged with the responsibility to administer medication must fully understand the seriousness of this task, are trained in safe practices, and also have some awareness of the side effects of drugs on service users. The Commission is currently considering what forms of accredited training would be acceptable, but in the first instance, would suggest that training supplied by local pharmacists and community nurses would be acceptable.

Care Homes

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will issue guidance to determine what constitutes regular contact with service users in respect of Care Home Regulations;
	(2)  if he will list the occupational groups the members of which will be considered as persons having regular contact with service users in connection with the Care Home Regulations; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: The National Care Standards Commission takes 'regular contact with residents' to mean where a member of staff employed by the care home routinely interacts with residents on a one-to-one basis as part of their employment. This interaction may be restricted to talking to residents, but generally the commission will take it to mean where an individual is providing specific forms of care to a resident, such as personal care, nursing care, counselling and general support.
	The staff having regular contact with residents will also vary from home to home. A range of internal and external people are likely to have regular contact with residents. This could include care staff, ancillary workers, volunteers and management staff, social workers and specialist health care professionals.

Care Homes

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  for what reasons the Care Home Regulations make no reference to a requirement for a business and financial plan as specified in the National Minimum Standard for homes for older people 34.5;
	(2)  what must be contained in a business and financial plan as specified in National Minimum Standard for older people 34.5.

Jacqui Smith: The care homes regulations and the national standards are related but they are not the same. There are, therefore, differences in the language and level of detail they contain. The regulations set out in general terms mandatory requirements with which care homes must comply. The national standards are an assessment tool which the commission must take into account when it makes a decision about whether a care home conforms to the regulations. However, the commission may also take into account any other factors it considers reasonable or relevant to do so. The regulations do not, therefore, specifically refer to business and financial plans.
	The regulations and standards do not specify what must be contained in a care home's business and financial plans. In deciding whether a care home's business and financial plans conform to the requirements, the commission will need to satisfy itself that they contain sufficient information to ensure that service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home.

Queen Alexandra Hospital (Portsmouth)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what companies and organisations have expressed an interest in being involved in the private finance initiative for the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth; when he expects to make a decision on which of these will be involved; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the reasons are for the cost of the private finance initiative of Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, being raised; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The bidding process is still under way, but I am advised by Portsmouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust that three organisations were chosen to go through to the next stage. These were: The Hospital Company, Key Health Services and Summit Healthcare. I cannot, at this time, confirm when the bidding process will be completed.
	The time scale for a final decision is a matter for the trust itself. The final business case has not yet been submitted because the bidding process is not complete. The cost for the private finance initiative, specified at the outline business case stage, was an estimate and would be expected to increase over the period required to complete the project, partly as a result of inflation and other outside cost pressures.

Doctors (Suspensions)

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 11 July 2002, Official Report, column 1209W, on doctors (suspensions), for what reasons absence or special leave or gardening leave are not included in official statistics; and what guidance is issued to NHS trusts on (a) staff suspensions and (b) placing staff on special or gardening leave.

John Hutton: The process of formal monitoring of suspensions lasting over six months began in March 1995, six months after the issue of HSG(94)49, the current guidance on suspension of hospital and community medical and dental staff.
	As a result of an undertaking to the Public Accounts Committee in April 1995, the Department monitors formal suspensions lasting over six months on a quarterly basis. This has enabled the financial implications of those suspensions to be monitored and helped to ensure that individual cases are being actively managed.
	Information on special leave is collected on an ad hoc basis when concerns are raised. No official guidance has been issued on the use of special or gardening leave. In December 2001, the Chief Medical Officer wrote to all national health service trusts requesting information regarding the use of this type of leave. This information is currently being analysed.

Correspondence

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department intends to answer the letter of the hon. Member for North Norfolk of 1 March, in relation to Kelling Park Nursing Home.

Jacqui Smith: A reply was sent on 16 July 2002.

Correspondence

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter of 20 March 2002 from the hon. Member for Totnes regarding Mrs. B. A. Bence of Kingsbridge, Devon, a constituent.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 10 June 2002
	A reply was sent on 3 July 2002.

Hearing Aids

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the percentage cost is to the NHS of (a) a digital hearing aid and (b) an analogue aid; and what the differential was 12 months ago.

Jacqui Smith: Under the national health service contract, digital hearing aids had been available at a cost of between £140 and £205 each, for moderately powered aids. The contracts and prices have been renegotiated by a team set-up by Ministers and led by James Strachan, Chief Executive of Royal National Institute for the Deaf, which includes representatives from the Department and the Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA), and allows moderate powered digital aids to be purchased at £65 to £75 each plus value added tax (VAT).
	The cost of a moderately powered NHS analogue aid ranges from £59 to £126 each plus VAT.

Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Health Authority

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the shortfall of social workers in (a) Portsmouth, (b) Hampshire and (c) the South East; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Information on vacancy rates for social workers is not available centrally.

Bed Blocking

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's strategy to tackle bed blocking.

Jacqui Smith: The Government set a target in October 2001 to reduce the number of acute hospital beds blocked at any one time by 1,000, by 31 March 2002. In March 2001 there were 5,938 beds blocked by the over-75s, and at the end of March this year 4,691 were blocked.
	The Government will shortly be consulting on its plans, first announced in, "Delivering the NHS Plan", to introduce a system of charges for delays where people are ready for discharge and are awaiting social services input.
	Later in the year, the Government will be responding in full to the House of Commons Health Select Committee's forthcoming report on delayed discharges.

Audit Commission Reports

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to implement the recommendations of the Audit Commission's reports, "Fully Equipped" and "Fully Equipped Two"; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: The Government are progressing their programme to improve equipment services for older and disabled people, and in doing so, are taking fully into account the recommendations made by the Audit Commission in its two reports on the subject.

Audit Commission Reports

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to implement recommendations from the Audit Commission's report, "Fully Equipped Two".

Jacqui Smith: The Government are progressing their programme to improve equipment services for older and disabled people and, in doing so, are taking fully into account the recommendations made by the Audit Commission in its two reports on the subject, "Fully Equipped", published in March 2000, and "Fully Equipped Two".

Nurses

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS nurses have left the NHS to take nursing posts in north America in the last year.

John Hutton: The information requested is not collected by the Department.

NHS Staff

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the shortfall of (a) nurses, (b) general practitioners, (c) cancer specialists and (d) consultants in (i) St. Helens and Knowsley Health Authority, (ii) Merseyside, (iii) the North West and (iv) England.

John Hutton: The Government's plans for increasing the size of the national health service work force were set out in the NHS Plan and our manifesto before the last election. Both targets for increasing nurse numbers have been met ahead of schedule. Our latest projection for 2008 is 35,000 more nurses than there were in 2001. This has not been broken down by strategic health authority (StHA).
	The NHS Plan set a target of 2,000 more general practitioners (GPs) and 7,500 consultants in England by 2004, over the 1999 baseline. To date, there has been an increase of 483 GPs and 3,130 consultants. The target has been broken down by StHA level. Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority have an envelope of 141 more GPs and 377 more consultants by 2004.
	The number of cancer specialists employed in the NHS is growing. As at March 2002, there were 3,857 cancer specialists in England. This represents an increase of 17 per cent. since 1999. We are on track to hit the target set out in the Cancer Plan of nearly 1,000 extra cancer consultants by 2006, this target has not been broken down by StHA.

Social Workers

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the shortfall of social workers in (a) St. Helens, (b) Merseyside, (c) the North West and (d) England.

Jacqui Smith: Information on vacancy rates for social workers is not available centrally.

Public Consultation

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the public consultations undertaken by his Department since June 2001, stating in each case the (a) number of respondents and (b) percentage of those specifically consulted who responded.

David Lammy: holding answer 10 June 2002
	Since June 2001, the Department has undertaken 87 public consultations. A list of these will be placed in the Library.
	The Department does not collect the number of respondents nor the percentage of those specifically consulted who responded either centrally or at all and it would be disproportionately expensive to assemble the information.

Hospital Discharges

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 June 2002, Official Report, column 168W, on hospital discharges, for what reason statistics for the Eastern Region on discharges that were delayed for less than eight days are not available.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 27 July 2002
	The statistics were not available because of inconsistencies in the data provided by some health authorities in eastern region. By checking with hospitals in the former eastern region, I have been able to estimate the number of discharges delayed for less than eight days in that region. I have placed some corrected figures in the Library.
	
		Length of delayed discharge—patients of all ages—quarter 4 2001–02 -- National and regional summary
		
			 Area Total delayed less than 8 days Total delayed 8–14 days Total delayed 14–28 days Total delayed more than 28 days Percentage delays less than 8 days (all ages) Percentage delays 8–14 days (all ages) Percentage delays 14–28 days (all ages) Percentage delays more than 28 days (all ages) Percentage HAs included in analysis 
		
		
			 England 1,323 1,067 1,130 1,968 24.1 19.4 20.6 35.9 95.8 
			 Northern and Yorkshire 125 72 92 126 30.1 17.3 22.2 30.4 92.3 
			 Trent 113 49 71 61 38.4 16.7 24.1 20.7 100.0 
			 West Midlands 247 153 124 185 34.8 21.6 17.5 26.1 100.0 
			 North West 119 115 93 143 25.3 24.5 19.8 30.4 93.8 
			 Eastern — 120 118 205 — 27.3 26.8 46.6 85.7 
			 London 104 163 190 404 12.1 18.9 22.0 46.9 92.9 
			 South East 299 254 278 611 20.7 17.6 19.3 42.4 100.0 
			 South West 316 141 164 233 37.0 16.5 19.2 27.3 100.0 
		
	
	
		Health authority summary
		
			 Health authority Total delayed less than 8 days Total delayed 8–14 days Total delayed 14–28 days Total delayed more than 28 days Percentage delays less than 8 days (all ages) Percentage delays 8–14 days (all ages) Percentage delays 14–28 days (all ages) Percentage delays more than 28 days (all ages) HA included 
		
		
			 Bradford 9 0 2 0 81.8 0.0 18.2 0.0 Yes 
			 County Durham and Darlington 12 6 5 7 40.0 20.0 16.7 23.3 Yes 
			 East Riding and Hull 7 2 6 6 33.3 9.5 28.6 28.6 Yes 
			 Gateshead and South Tyneside 7 6 14 15 16.7 14.3 33.3 35.7 Yes 
			 Leeds 10 5 16 32 15.9 7.9 25.4 50.8 Yes 
			 Newcastle and North Tyneside 23 4 8 11 50.0 8.7 17.4 23.9 Yes 
			 North Cumbria 4 10 11 44 5.8 14.5 15.9 63.8 Yes 
			 Northumberland 0 0 0 0 0 — — — Yes 
			 Sunderland 15 9 3 4 48.4 29.0 9.7 12.9 Yes 
			 Tees 31 21 15 6 42.5 28.8 20.5 8.2 Yes 
			
			 Wakefield 0 5 10 0 0.0 33.3 66.7 0.0 Yes 
			 North Yorkshire — — — — — — — — No 
			 Calderdale and Kirklees 7 4 2 1 50.0 28.6 14.3 7.1 Yes 
			 Barnsley 4 0 0 0 100.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Yes 
			 North Derbyshire 14 2 0 0 87.5 12.5 0.0 0.0 Yes 
			 Southern Derbyshire 9 8 4 1 40.9 36.4 18.2 4.5 Yes 
			 Doncaster 4 1 8 6 21.1 5.3 42.1 31.6 Yes 
			 Leicestershire 18 8 8 8 42.9 19.0 19.0 19.0 Yes 
			 Lincolnshire 6 7 6 3 27.3 31.8 27.3 13.6 Yes 
			 North Nottinghamshire 12 7 11 10 30.0 17.5 27.5 25.0 Yes 
			 Nottingham 13 9 13 4 33.3 23.1 33.3 10.3 Yes 
			 Rotherham 8 5 2 5 40.0 25.0 10.0 25.0 Yes 
			 Sheffield 23 1 13 10 48.9 2.1 27.7 21.3 Yes 
			 South Humber 2 1 6 14 8.7 4.3 26.1 60.9 Yes 
			 Birmingham 65 51 35 90 27.0 21.2 14.5 37.3 Yes 
			 Coventry 21 9 8 16 38.9 16.7 14.8 29.6 Yes 
			 Dudley 8 8 6 2 33.3 33.3 25.0 8.3 Yes 
			 Herefordshire 11 2 2 5 55.0 10.0 10.0 25.0 Yes 
			 Sandwell 3 1 6 17 11.1 3.7 22.2 63.0 Yes 
			 Shropshire 3 3 1 2 33.3 33.3 11.1 22.2 Yes 
			 Solihull 33 1 2 0 91.7 2.8 5.6 0.0 Yes 
			 North Staffordshire 16 5 3 1 64.0 20.0 12.0 4.0 Yes 
			 South Staffordshire 19 15 19 15 27.9 22.1 27.9 22.1 Yes 
			 Walsall 6 6 4 7 26.1 26.1 17.4 30.4 Yes 
			 Warwickshire 34 38 19 11 33.3 37.3 18.6 10.8 Yes 
			 Wolverhampton 8 6 3 5 36.4 27.3 13.6 22.7 Yes 
			 Worcestershire 20 8 16 14 34.5 13.8 27.6 24.1 Yes 
			 South Lancashire 12 1 0 0 92.3 7.7 0.0 0.0 Yes 
			 Liverpool 3 7 5 17 9.4 21.9 15.6 53.1 Yes 
			 Manchester — — — — — — — — No 
			 Morecambe Bay 4 10 13 38 6.2 15.4 20.0 58.5 Yes 
			 St. Helens and Knowsley 8 7 11 19 17.8 15.6 24.4 42.2 Yes 
			 Salford and Trafford 3 10 7 5 12.0 40.0 28.0 20.0 Yes 
			 Sefton 4 7 10 7 14.3 25.0 35.7 25.0 Yes 
			 Stockport 0 3 1 2 0.0 50.0 16.7 33.3 Yes 
			 West Pennine 14 0 6 9 48.3 0.0 20.7 31.0 Yes 
			 Bury and Rochdale 4 2 2 3 36.4 18.2 18.2 27.3 Yes 
			 North Cheshire — 10 10 8 — 41.7 41.7 33.3 Yes 
			 South Cheshire 5 5 6 9 20.0 20.0 24.0 36.0 Yes 
			 East Lancashire 5 6 2 0 38.5 46.2 15.4 0.0 Yes 
			 North West Lancashire 39 5 3 0 83.0 10.6 6.4 0.0 Yes 
			 Wigan and Bolton 18 19 11 7 32.7 34.5 20.0 12.7 Yes 
			 Wirral 0 23 6 19 0.0 47.9 12.5 39.6 Yes 
			 Bedfordshire 3 6 4 11 12.5 25.0 16.7 45.8 Yes 
			 North Essex — 6 18 41 — — — — No 
			 South Essex 0 16 17 66 0.0 16.2 17.2 66.7 Yes 
			 Suffolk — 63 64 96 — 33.5 34.0 51.1 Yes 
			 Cambridgeshire 0 14 15 21 0.0 28.0 30.0 42.0 Yes 
			 Norfolk 12 14 7 6 30.8 35.9 17.9 15.4 Yes 
			 Hertfordshire 17 7 11 5 42.5 17.5 27.5 12.5 Yes 
			 Hillingdon 0 17 25 16 0.0 29.3 43.1 27.6 Yes 
			 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster 4 9 5 13 12.9 29.0 16.1 41.9 Yes 
			 Redbridge and Waltham Forest 13 10 13 20 23.2 17.9 23.2 35.7 Yes 
			 Croydon 10 5 1 6 45.5 22.7 4.5 27.3 Yes 
			 Kingston and Richmond 7 10 6 49 9.7 13.9 8.3 68.1 Yes 
			 Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham 3 18 22 35 3.8 23.1 28.2 44.9 Yes 
			 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth 0 18 30 40 0.0 20.5 34.1 45.5 Yes 
			 Barking and Havering 41 10 22 65 29.7 7.2 15.9 47.1 Yes 
			 Brent and Harrow 6 3 2 5 37.5 18.8 12.5 31.3 Yes 
			 Camden and Islington 16 13 17 30 21.1 17.1 22.4 39.5 Yes 
			 Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow 4 11 17 49 4.9 13.6 21.0 60.5 Yes 
			 East London and the City — 22 13 58 — 25.9 15.3 68.2 Yes 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey 0 17 17 18 0.0 32.7 32.7 34.6 Yes 
			 Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich — 20 8 26 — — — — No 
			 Berkshire 29 19 35 72 18.7 12.3 22.6 46.5 Yes 
			 Buckinghamshire 25 14 7 25 35.2 19.7 9.9 35.2 Yes 
			 East Kent 7 9 13 23 13.5 17.3 25.0 44.2 Yes 
			 West Kent 4 27 16 41 4.5 30.7 18.2 46.6 Yes 
			 East Surrey 8 10 12 16 17.4 21.7 26.1 34.8 Yes 
			 West Surrey 21 20 34 85 13.1 12.5 21.3 53.1 Yes 
			 East Sussex, Brighton and Hove 26 46 38 62 15.1 26.7 22.1 36.0 Yes 
			 West Sussex 50 13 30 14 46.7 12.1 28.0 13.1 Yes 
			 Northamptonshire 28 9 24 37 28.6 9.2 24.5 37.8 Yes 
			 Oxfordshire 9 16 12 15 17.3 30.8 23.1 28.8 Yes 
			 North and Mid Hampshire 18 18 23 98 11.5 11.5 14.6 62.4 Yes 
			 Southampton and SW Hampshire 36 29 23 99 19.3 15.5 12.3 52.9 Yes 
			 Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire 38 24 11 24 39.2 24.7 11.3 24.7 Yes 
			 Somerset 13 9 7 5 38.2 26.5 20.6 14.7 Yes 
			 South and West Devon 44 6 8 0 75.9 10.3 13.8 0.0 Yes 
			 Wiltshire 12 16 9 26 19.0 25.4 14.3 41.3 Yes 
			
			 Avon 107 46 83 107 31.2 13.4 24.2 31.2 Yes 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 37 17 12 31 38.1 17.5 12.4 32.0 Yes 
			 Dorset 55 13 11 8 63.2 14.9 12.6 9.2 Yes 
			 North and East Devon 48 21 17 21 44.9 19.6 15.9 19.6 Yes 
			 Gloucestershire 0 13 17 35 0.0 20.0 26.2 53.8 Yes

NHS Maternity Units

David Wilshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list NHS maternity units in descending order of the percentage level achieved against the standards expected of such a unit.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 5 July 2002
	There is no data available centrally on percentage levels against standards for maternity units.

NHS Maternity Units

David Wilshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason general practitioners practising within the area covered by the North Surrey PCT have been refused permission by the PCT to refer expectant mothers to the maternity units of their choice.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 5 July 2002
	North Surrey Primary Care Trust has not stopped general practitioners referring expectant mothers to the maternity unit of their choice.

Mental Health

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff vacancies there are in the mental health sector of the NHS, broken down by region.

John Hutton: holding answer 8 July 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave the hon. Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner) today.

Mental Health

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many remanded prisoners were transferred under the provisions of section 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983 in each of the last six years, including the most recent year for which figures are available.

Hilary Benn: I have been asked to reply.
	Section 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983 empowers the Home Secretary to transfer people from prison to hospital who require urgent treatment in a psychiatric hospital. The section covers those remanded by the courts to custody; those convicted but awaiting sentence; those detained under the Immigration Act 1971; and civil prisoners.
	Figures for remand prisoners only are not available. The figures are for all four categories.
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1995 473 
			 1996 481 
			 1997 495 
			 1998 482 
			 1999 464 
			 2000 393

Mental Health

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the money to improve wards and conditions for psychiatric patients announced on 6 April 2001 was spent.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 11 July 2002
	£3,890,200 was spent in the financial year 2001–02.

Mental Health

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the monitoring of children for the first signs of the onset of mental illness.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 8 July 2002
	I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 24 April 2002, Official Report, column 351W, regarding current mental health promotion and early intervention services for children and adolescents. Additionally, under the NHS Plan, 50 early intervention services will be established over the next three years to reduce treatment delay in psychosis. All young people who experience a first episode of psychosis such as schizophrenia will receive the early and intensive support they need. This is expected to benefit 7,500 young people in the 14–35 age range each year. The early detection of the onset of mental illness is also an issue we expect to consider in the child and adolescent mental health services strand of the children's national service framework on which work is currently progressing.

Mental Health

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies exist in (a) clinical psychology and (b) psychiatry in each health authority.

John Hutton: The number of vacancies and the vacancy rates for clinical psychology and consultants in psychiatry and psychotherapy have been placed in the Library.

Hotspot Councils

Patsy Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 18 March 2002, Official Report, column 176W, on care funding, what his definition is of hotspot councils; and what the names are of the hotspot councils as referred to in Annexe B.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 11 July 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 18 March 2002, Official Report, column 176W, and the information provided in Annexe B. 'Hotspot' councils were those 55 selected to receive additional funding. The 55 councils are as follows:
	Barking and Dagenham
	Barnet
	Bath and North East Somerset
	Birmingham
	Bracknell Forest
	Brighton and Hove
	Bristol
	Bromley
	Buckinghamshire
	Cambridgeshire
	Cumbria
	Dudley
	East Sussex
	Enfield
	Essex
	Gloucestershire
	Hackney
	Halton
	Hampshire
	Haringey
	Havering
	Hertfordshire
	Hillingdon
	Isle of Wight
	Kent
	Knowsley
	Leeds
	Medway Towns
	Milton Keynes
	North Somerset
	Northamptonshire
	Peterborough
	Portsmouth
	Reading
	Richmond-upon-Thames
	Sheffield
	Slough
	South Gloucestershire
	Southampton
	Southend-on-Sea
	St. Helens
	Staffordshire
	Suffolk
	Surrey
	Sutton
	Swindon
	Thurrock
	Waltham Forest
	Warwickshire
	West Berkshire
	West Sussex
	Wiltshire
	Windsor and Maidenhead
	Wokingham
	York.

Food Safety

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the level of public confidence in the Government's arrangements for food safety measured by public opinion surveys in each year since 1997–98; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 11 July 2002
	The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has had responsibility for food safety since its establishment in April 2000. Levels of public confidence have been measured quantitatively rather than estimated as part of the annual "Consumer Attitudes to Food Standards", published in January 2001 and February 2002. In the most recent survey, 71 per cent. of consumers are aware of the FSA and, among them, levels of trust are high approximately 80 per cent. When asked how confident they were about the role played by the FSA in protecting health with regard to food safety, only 13 per cent. of consumers stated that they were not confident. Both surveys were widely reported by national media and are freely available on the Agency's website. The next annual survey will be published in early 2003. There were no similar surveys or estimates of public confidence by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, now the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, before 2000.

Cancer

Stephen Ladyman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what Government funding was allocated to (a) treatment for and (b) research in (i) prostate, (ii) breast, (iii) lung and (iv) colon cancer in each of the last 10 years.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 12 July 2002
	The Department does not collect figures on the cost of national health service services in a way that enables an accurate figure to be calculated for the cost of treatment or research for individual cancers.

Residential Child Care

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will undertake research into the reasons underlying the increase in the number of children being looked after in residential placements in the south west since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 16 July 2002
	The most recently published figures for children looked after by local authorities at 31 March 2001 show that, over the past three years, while the overall number of children looked after by local authorities in the south west region has risen slightly, the relative proportion of children in residential placements has declined from 9 per cent. to 8 per cent. There is no evidence that south western local authorities have increased their use of placements in residential care.

Doctors (Recruitment)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer given to the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox), of 2 July 2002, Official Report, column 298W, on doctors (recruitment), how many health care professionals from developing countries have been provided with formal training and education in the UK since 1997; and of these, how many returned to their home countries after completing their studies.

John Hutton: holding answer 18 July 2002
	The information requested is not collected centrally.

NHS Leadership Centre

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 10 June 2002, Official Report, column 1317W, on the NHS Leadership Centre, how many people are employed by the NHS Leadership Centre.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 18 July 2002
	The leadership centre is part of the National Health Service Modernisation Agency. As at 1 July 2002, there are a total of 48 staff who work for the leadership centre. 26 of those staff are on secondment or fixed term contracts from the NHS.

Overseas Recruitment

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has recently met the Secretary of State for International Development concerning the recruitment of nurses and doctors from developing countries.

John Hutton: holding answer 18 July 2002
	No. Officials from the two Departments are due to meet at the end of July to discuss the recruitment of health care professionals.

Junior Doctors

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated cost to the NHS is of compliance with new junior doctors' hours regulations.

John Hutton: holding answer 19 July 2002
	The junior doctors' hours regulations are those incorporated into the new contract for junior doctors which requires Pre- Registration House Officers to be contracted for no more than 56 hours from August 2001, with senior house officers and specialist registrars following suit in August 2003.
	The estimated cost of implementing the new contract from January 2001 to December 2003 is in the region of £210 million on a total junior doctors' pay bill of some £1.3 billion per annum. However, detailed information on doctors' pay is not held centrally. The driving principle underlying the new contract was to create financial disincentives through the pay bill if trusts continued to employ doctors in non-compliant posts. The effect of these cost pressures on trusts has been to bring overall non-compliance down from 44 per cent. in March 2001 to 32 per cent. in March 2002, with consequent potential long-term reductions in the junior doctor pay bill.

Acute Services

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to make a decision on the re-organisation of acute services in East Kent.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 19 July 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the information I gave him in my response of 16 July 2002, Official Report, column 219.